Third Floor balcony overlooks the Ellis Island Registry Room

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REGISTRY ROOM BALCONY

Though not an exhibit, a climb to the third floor of the Main Immigration Building at Ellis Island gives you access to the balcony that overlooks the second floor Registry Room (aka Great Hall). Historical photos posted at either end show what the room looked like back in the 1920s.

SILENT VOICES

Old equipment from Ellis Island

Silent Voices is my favorite exhibit at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This is a collection of photographs and actual items—old beds, typewriters, musical instruments—that were taken from the dilapidated buildings on Ellis Island before a renovation of the main building began in 1984. If you like old stuff, this is the coolest exhibit in the museum. It is small and only takes 15 minutes to see it.

Cash register and fans used at Ellis Island when it was in operation

RESTORING A LANDMARK

Photos of the Ellis Island Main Immigration Building restoration

Next door to Silent Voices is an exhibit on the restoration of the Main Immigration Building at Ellis Island that took place between 1984 and 1990. The exhibit consists of a collection of photos taken during the renovation and information panels that detail the process. This is also worth visiting and only takes a few minutes of your time.

ELLIS ISLAND CHRONICLES

Ellis Island Chronicles Exhibition Room

While the Peak Immigration Years exhibit on the second floor details the history of immigration when Ellis Island was in business, it is not about Ellis Island. That history is told in the Ellis Island Chronicles. Be sure to check out the models that show the expansion of the island over the years by landfill. Only a small part of the island is natural. By the way, the island’s name comes from its last private owner, Samuel Ellis.

Ellis Island in 1854

Wooden building complex on the expanded Ellis Island in 1897

Ellis Island in 1920

TREASURES FROM HOME

Treasures from Home exhibit at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Treasures from Home is a display of over 2,000 items that immigrants brought with them to America. Items have been donated by the immigrants and their families. Some of the exhibit cases feature a particular category of items such as clothing or spiritual items, while others feature items donated by an entire family. This is interesting because these families now have somewhat of a shrine dedicated to them in a major American museum. Give yourself anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to see this exhibit.

Exhibit of items donated by the Semerdjian Family

Clothing exhibit at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Items donated by the Sicurella Family

DORMITORY ROOM

The Dormitory Room at Ellis Island has been restored to its 1908 appearance. This is one of many rooms used as a dormitory to house those detained at Ellis Island until they could be processed or deported back to their home country. A stop here won’t take up more than a quick peak of your time.

Triple bunk beds in a typical dormitory room at the Ellis Island Immigration facility

CHANGING EXHIBITION GALLERY

There is also a temporary exhibit room on the third floor. Since the exhibits can change at any time, I did not bother documenting what was on display during my visit.

BOB HOPE LIBRARY

The Bob Hope Library takes up the entire west wing of the third floor. While the library is open to the public for research purposes, an appointment is recommended so that an assistant will be on duty to help you. The library is of no real interest to the typical tourist coming to Ellis Island for a few hours.

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