LibertyHighlights VOL.1, NO. 1 THE OFFICIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2002

A Twentieth Anniversary Message from wenty years ago, in 1982, President asked Tme to head a citizen’s group to raise funds for the restoration and preser- vation of the and . The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation was soon founded. As a supporter, you probably recall the image of Lady Liberty in disrepair, closed to the public, shrouded in protective scaffolding. After almost a century, weather, pollution, and sightseeing

had left Lady Liberty badly in need ©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 of restoration, including a complete replacement of her famous torch. An army of architects, historians, engineers, and almost 1,000 laborers embarked (left) Lee Iacocca, on his way to the Statue (under saffolding) during renovation. (right) The Lady in all on the project—which also involved her glory during opening festivities—Liberty Weekend 1986. the installation of new elevators and an informative Liberty museum in the When the Island re-opened in September that I say thank you for all you’ve Statue’s base. of 1990—two years ahead of schedule— done for Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. it boasted a restored Main Building and July 4th weekend, 1986, saw a gala On this special occasion, please enjoy magnificent Great Hall. Some museum four-day event celebrating the restoration. this Official 20th Anniversary Newsletter. rooms appeared just as they had during Fireworks filled the night skies; tall ships the height of immigrant processing. sailed into . “Liberty Other areas housed theaters, libraries, and Weekend” was broadcast to 1.5 billion exhibits. In the 1990s, the Foundation people in 51 countries. The Foundation, restored two more buildings and expand- the National Park Service, and the ed the museum space. American people had launched the most successful public-private partnership in And as you know, a year ago saw Inside the history of the United States! the opening of the American Family • Ellis Island website—easier Immigration History Center™ We then turned our attention to the and more fun than ever! (www.ellisisland.org), an award-winning restoration of Ellis Island—the largest celebration of our immigrant forebears, • Genealogy Tips historical restoration in the nation’s and one of the most popular and history. Ellis Island, our most potent • Famous immigrants who helpful sites on the Internet. symbol of the American immigrant passed through Ellis Island experience, had become sadly disheveled. The American people figure dramatically • Plan your next trip to Ellis Again the American people responded in all that the Foundation has accom- Island and the Statue of Liberty! with characteristic passion and generosity. plished in twenty years. It is with pride

Liberty Highlights 1 Family History Center Search for your ancestors Add a name to the Wall of Honor® Website Reaches 2.7 Become a Billion Hits! member he American Family Immigration Create a THistory Center™ and its history- family history making website, www.ellisisland.org, scrapbook celebrated its first anniversary on April 17 and has attained the benchmark of 2.7 BILLION hits since its launch. The Shop online site continues to welcome over 150,000 for unique unique visitors every week. gifts and momentoes Its launch a year ago made a tremendous impact on the world of family history research. It immediately became the #1 search term on the Internet search engine, LYCOS, and generated thousands of broadcast and print media stories. According to U.S. News and World What People Are Saying About www.ellisisland.org Report, “[it] may well be the most popular launch in Internet history, “Thrilling—I think the work is and to learn that he, as a 16-year-old, eclipsing Madonna and The Beatles.” phenomenal. How wonderful it is to arrived in New York in 1920. I was click right into your history. The website equally thrilled to locate my mother’s While its popularity made access puts you on the edge. Without that guide name on the manifest of an earlier arriv- difficult in the early months, the you would have a much harder time ing ship, and to learn that she had arrived Foundation is happy to report that the searching.” in New York as a nine-year old. I ordered server space has been tripled and that photographs of both ships from your web- —Diane Speno of San Jose, CA your access is now all but assured. So site. The photographs, along with my if you have ancestors who made the “My family is now in the process of com- parents’ certificates, are journey to a new life in America between municating with our remaining relatives being framed so we can display and 1892–1924 and entered through the [in Italy] and are planning a visit to the treasure them.” Port of New York, we invite you to visit family hometown and hope to meet them —Antoinette Wilson, Orange, California www.ellisisland.org today. All you need in person. All of this is a direct result is the immigrant’s name to begin your of the Ellis Island database of manifests “The feelings and respect that I have for personal voyage of discovery! being placed online and accessible the Foundation along with the website, through my computer at home in can hardly be put into words. We knew California, without having to travel to that our Grandfather Giacchino, our New York to do the research in person! Grandmother Theresa and Aunt Rosaria Fantastic! Thank you, Lee Iacocca!” and Uncle Giorgio came across. As I was scrolling through the ship’s manifest, I —Barbara Clark of Saratoga, CA saw someone we didn’t even know exist- “The Ellis Island database is one of the ed: [Aunt] Maria, 8 years, 5 months. We most important databases in Jewish scrolled to the right-hand side, and it said genealogy, because 95 percent of Jewish ‘died.’ It ripped my heart out. They never Americans owe their heritage to people talked about her. I started crying. I now who came to the U.S. since 1891. It is have taken Maria’s memory as a part usually my starting point when I help of my life and I am attempting to learn Did You Know… Jews living in Russia find their American more about this little angel. Without the relatives.” Family history research is one of Foundation, the website and its profes- the most popular hobbies in America, —Gary Mokotoff, Avotaynu Jewish sional staff, none of this would have second only to gardening! Genealogy Journal of Bergenfield, NJ been possible. I am forever indebted.” “Your website is not only consumer- —Martin J. Napoli, Jr., President of Napco Steel, Chicago, IL America Online Keyword friendly, it provides a satisfying and EllisIsland.org entertaining experience. It is difficult to Tell us what you think! Send your express my emotions when I was able to comments to: [email protected] find my father’s name on a ship’s manifest 2 Liberty Highlights Helpful Hints for the Amateur Genealogist he American Family Immigration Even if you know the person’s first is your case, try clicking “Previous” or History Center™ website (www. name, try searching with just the first “Next” on the search results page to Tellisisland.org) is the most excit- initial and last name, or perhaps don’t expand your search. You might very ing new tool you can use in searching for use a first name in your search at all. well find the name on a manifest located your ancestors. Thousands of people have nearby in our collection. Hint: Not only were last names changed found relatives on this site. Did you? If by immigrants, often first names were so, congratulations! If not, here are some Don’t be discouraged! No one ever said anglicized from the original spelling. helpful hints on how to make your search genealogy was going to be easy. Although ’s name, for instance, was easier, and get closer to the match you’ve the American Family Immigration History actually “Israel Beilin”—and you can find been looking for. Center™ is the most efficient way to find his original manifest in our database! an ancestor’s arrival record to this coun- www.ellisisland.org helps you open up Most manifests are actually two pages try, it might take a few tries to get your the past in ways you never imagined filled with information. The most impor- match. And don’t assume too much possible, but sometimes it takes a little tant is the first page, with the passen- about family lore. Oftentimes, informa- finesse to get where you need to go. A ger’s name on the far left side. tion passed down over the generations Ship’s Manifest is a piece of history and can prove unreliable. Perhaps Grand- history is rarely an easy thing to decipher. Hint: Sometimes the second page of mother did not actually arrive in 1905, When you search the manifest records, the manifest turns up on your computer but another year. Or the name was you’re really playing the role of detective, screen first. Make certain you are looking spelled differently than anyone in your searching for clues to the past. at the proper page. There is a button you can click to enlarge the screen view of family can recall. Or Great-Grandad For instance, is your ancestor’s name the manifest. You’ll find the button in the was listed as a laborer, not the lawyer spelled correctly? Can you think of center of the search results page when he turned out to be in the New World. alternate spellings? you click to view the manifest; the but- There are all sorts of possibilities. Be creative, and keep at it! Hint: Some names may have been ton, in fact, looks like a magnifying glass! misspelled at the time the manifest was These historic records, which have been To further your search for an ancestor, recorded, which always took place at translated into electronic format from try visiting our partner, Genealogy.com. the port of departure in the Old World microfilm copies in the National They have a great collection of other and sloppy data entry work was to be Archives, are not a perfect collection. records that might help you. expected. If you don’t find a match for Most importantly, keep trying. the exact spelling, the American Family Hint: Sometimes you may not find an Remember, it costs you absolutely Immigration History Center’s database ancestor’s name where the database says nothing to search our database for offers alternate spellings. it should be on a particular page; if that as long as you wish.

There are multiple pages to the manifest— sometimes the second page turns up on your computer screen first—if so, click on “next” or “previous” to view all the pages.

Click on the maginifying glass icon and you can get a When you find a listing for a family member, you are shown a close-up view of the manifest in a pop-up window. Scroll printed listing. Click on “Original Ship Manifest” and you are around until you find the name you’re searching for. shown a page similar to the one above. Liberty Highlights 3 Amazing Facts www.ellisisland.org — Easier & More Fun To Use! About The Lady individuals who have located immigration The severed records to order and purchase online chain at the actual reproductions of the historic ships’ Statue’s feet passenger manifests that document their represents the ancestors’ voyage to America. You can broken shackles also order a picture of the ship that of tyranny. brought your family on their life-changing journey. Both of these items are repro- The Statue’s duced on archival quality paper, making ancient Greek them perfect additions to your growing dress symbolizes family history archive. Greece as the birthplace of From the Kulm family online scrapbook Another new feature, which is much-

democracy. ©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 anticipated and highly interactive, is the fter surviving the extremely Family History Scrapbook. This feature successful launch of the American A allows Foundation Members the unprece- Family Immigration History Center’s dented opportunity to create a digital website, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island scrapbook for storing immigration Foundation, which was responsible for documents discovered in the Ellis Island the development and operation of the database, as well as entering other pre- site, set its sights on improving the online cious family photos, records and even experience for its millions of visitors. audio recordings. The Center on Ellis In addition to tripling the server space Island is equipped with 10 state-of-the-art to readily accommodate all its eager ©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 recording studios for the creation of scrap- entrants, the Foundation has redesigned books, or you can build your scrapbook Seven rays of the Statue of Liberty’s and streamlined certain elements of the at home online. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s crown represent the seven continents site, including the homepage, to make a great way to bring your family history and seven seas of the world. it easier and faster to navigate. to life for your children or grandchildren. Another important addition has been the Look for the “Scrapbook” link on the introduction of e-commerce, allowing homepage at www.ellisisland.org. That’s Incredible! Famous Folks • The Ellis Island database contains For a little fun, search ellisisland.org over 3-1/2 million pages of ships’ for the names of the following passenger manifests individuals who first set foot in America at Ellis Island…

©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 • www.ellisisland.org has received over The tablet held by the Statue bears the 2.7 billion hits since its launch April Charles Atlas, the famous date July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals 17, 2001. bodybuilder, arrived as Angelo which recognizes America’s Declaration • The images of over 800 passenger Siciliano from Italy in 1903 of Independence. ships that carried the immigrants at the age of 10. He was to America are available at often picked on as a boy www.ellisisland.org because of his slight build, and later traced his transformation to two New York spots he visited: the Brooklyn Museum, where he saw a statue of

© Charles Atlas, Ltd. Hercules; and the Prospect

www.CharlesAtlas.com Park Zoo, where he was captivated by the sight of a lion stretching

©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 his muscles. The Lady’s index finger measures Claudette Colbert, the famous and 8' in length. beloved Hollywood actress, arrived as All photographs ©Peter B. Kaplan, 2002. All rights reserved. Lily Chauchoin, from France on October 9, 1911 at the age of 8. 4 Liberty Highlights What You’ll Find On Your Visit to Ellis Island ooking at the buildings on Ellis based on actual Island from downtown New York recordings from Working on LCity, or out on the Harbor, is a the Ellis Island Behalf of breathtaking experience. And the closer Oral History you get, the better it is. As you approach, Project, performed Liberty to the south you will see Lady Liberty, by professional There are projects just as immigrants arriving by steamship New York actors. that make a big witnessed for the very first time her A collection of splash—Liberty awe-inspiring presence early in the last artifacts donated Liberty Weekend 1986 Weekend in 1986, century. to the museum by and the launch of ellisisland.org in 2001 Ellis Island was the gateway for millions descendants of the Embracing Freedom are obvious of immigrants entering the U.S. between immigrants who choices— 1892 and 1924. Closed to public tours in brought these “Treasures From Home®” and some 1984, it was reopened in 1990, following to America. The collection includes price- that the pub- a $160 million restoration. Since 1990, less family heirlooms, religious artifacts, lic never more than family photos, hears about. twenty million rare and beauti- Whether people have ful clothing and high-profile Tom Brokaw—the master of visited the jewelry. or no-profile, ceremonies at the launch of the Ellis Island Exciting The Statue American Family Immigration Immigration History Center™ and website: graphic of Liberty- Museum, near- ellisisland.org. displays Ellis Island ly the number which chronicle Foundation is busy making Liberty that were once the “Peopling National Monument even better, in processed as of America®” ways you might never have imagined. immigrants so from Native Each year, the Foundation contributes many years ago! Americans to funding from a special Foundation If you weren’t The Great Hall now looks much as it did in the early 1900s. the present day, Endowment to the National Park Service one of our and an all-new Census Map, a museum to provide for essential upgrades and guests in recent years, we would love favorite, with updated information from repairs on Liberty and Ellis Islands. These to have you visit us. Making plans is easy. the 2000 Census. two sites experience significant wear See the back page of this newsletter and tear, with millions of tourists visiting for directions and suggestions. And of course the American Family Immigration History Center™, which each year, often harsh environmental Here are some highlights of what you’ll can be found in the west wing of the conditions, and the simple fact that they find when you visit: Immigration Museum, first floor. are both more than a century old. Our The historic Great Hall, the beautiful funding goes to a range of needs, from These wonderful exhibits were created room where millions once waited anx- one that reflects a sign of our times, such by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island iously for medical or legal inspection. as purchasing explosion-resistant trash Foundation, Inc., in partnership with receptacles to protect visitors and build- Embracing Freedom—dramatic the National Park Service, with funding ings, to the odd project that no one could reenactments of immigrant experiences made possible by the American public. anticipate, such as paying for a sheep dog to control the huge numbers of Canada Geese that have found the islands a Did You Know… great haven. • Over 100 million people have ancestral immigration records in the Over the years, the Foundation’s Ellis Island database (that’s over 40% Endowment has been at work behind of Americans!) the scenes to make your time spent at Liberty National Monument an even • If stacked flat, the 3,678 boxes of better experience. The Foundation works microfilm reels that supplied the closely with the National Park Service immigration information for the Ellis on special projects to ensure that database would exceed three National Monument is in its best shape times the height of the Statue of for our thousands of daily visitors. Liberty, from the hem of her flowing robe to the top of her torch. Liberty Highlights 5 Books We Recommend

What’s Cooking at Ellis Island?

When families immigrated to America, CARDAMOM COOKIES they brought with them their family treas- These are fragrant, crisp little cookies that ures—linens, jewelry, native costumes, I loved with cold milk as a child. Finns household necessities and of course, are partial to cardamom. I still recall how recipes (and native spices when possible). my mother took the little seeds from their These recipes, handed down from genera- pods, wrapped them in a linen napkin tion to generation, formed the heart of and pounded them with a hammer. family meals. They brought the flavors and comfort of the homeland to these 1 cup all-purpose flour newcomers trying to make a new home 1 large egg in America. 1/4 tsp. baking soda Traditional family and ethnic recipes con- tinue to play an important role in family 3/4 cup granulated sugar menus today and have made American 8 tbsp. (1 stick) butter, melted cuisine one of the most interesting, eclec- tic and exciting in the world. If you’d like 1 tsp. ground cinnamon to expand your repertoire of ethnic menu 1 tsp. ground cardamom Liberty for All possibilities, we have just the book for Preheat the oven to She is recognized the world over as you: The Ellis Island Cookbook by Tom 350º. Grease and flour America’s beacon for freedom, hope and Bernardin. Containing more than 200 one or two baking opportunity. The Lady, of course, needs recipes along with family anecdotes sheets, tapping off the no introduction, but what she did need, as well as a brief history and photos of excess flour. In a twenty years ago, was a major restoration Ellis Island, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. to keep her fresh and strong for future medium bowl stir “…a one of kind collection of heart- generations. Today, Lady Liberty’s entire together the flour, warming stories and authentic recipes history is being retold by the Founding baking soda, cinnamon that you’ll want to have for your cooking Chairman of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis and cardamom. In a large bowl, whisk library… these recipes recall special Island Foundation, Lee Iacocca, along the egg until frothy. Whisk in the sugar moments of far away lands or of dearly with photographs from the Statue’s most and butter. With a spoon, stir in the dry loved relatives… much more than a prolific photographer, Peter B. Kaplan, ingredients to make a batter. Using 1 tsp. recipe compilation, it is a personal in a new book titled “Liberty for All.” of the batter for each cookie, spoon it journey with stories and reminiscences This handsome collector’s edition volume onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2" that will touch your heart.” brings to life the Statue’s humble begin- apart. Bake about 12 minutes, or until —Better Homes & Gardens nings in France as a gift to America, lightly browned. With a spatula, transfer Cook Book Club through the fascinating rebuilding of a to a rack to cool. Use cooled sheets, 305-foot tall copper statue in the middle Available in our Gift Shop at ellisisland.org. lightly greased and floured as before, of a busy harbor. Never-before-seen In the meantime try this favorite Finnish to bake the rest. Makes 5–6 dozen. photographs capture the intricacies of cookie recipe. Happy Baking! reconstruction, the dizzying views from atop the world’s highest freestanding scaffolding, the thrilling fireworks of More Facts About The Lady Liberty Weekend, and finally Lady Liberty’s enduring beauty. The Foundation will make “Liberty for All” available as a special premium in our Fall fundraising letter. Look for it in your mail in late October! Her nose Her waist measures measures

6Liberty Highlights ©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 4'6" ©Peter B. Kaplan 2002 35' The American Immigrant Wall of Honor®

Frequently Asked Questions About The American Immigrant Wall of Honor Is the Wall only for Ellis Island immigrants? No, the Wall is for everyone and includes immigrants from all historical periods. Regardless of when your ancestors came to America or through which port they entered, you may honor their names on the Wall. You may register your family name, the name of an ancestor, relative or even yourself. May I place more than one name on the Wall? Yes! But remember, there is a minimum gift of $100 for each name registered.

What is the Wall? Famous Names You The American Can Find on the Wall Immigrant Wall of Honor® is a perma- Marlene Dietrich nent exhibit of over Albert Einstein 600,000 individual and family names featured at Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. It is the only How will I know that the name has place in the country where an individual been registered? can honor his or her family’s heritage at You will receive an 8-1/2" x 11" a national monument. Names are listed Certificate displaying the name you alphabetically. choose to honor. Suitable for framing, How can I place a name on the Wall? your Certificate serves as a constant Call 212--561- reminder of your family’s contribution to America’s heritage. You will also be able Harry Houdini 4500 to request a registration form; to see your family name Al Jolson designate a name listed on the Virtual and return it along Wall at www.wallof with your gift of honor.com/family $100 or more, or which is updated register online at on a quarterly basis. www.wallofhonor. How will my contri- com/family. bution be used? For a contribution Your tax-deductible of $1000, the contribution will be Boris Karloff name will be displayed on a spe- used to help The Statue cial plaque of Ellis Island Leaders; Sophia Loren of Liberty-Ellis Island for $5000, the plaque of Ellis Foundation to maintain Island Benefactors; for $10,000, and preserve the Statue of Liberty and Shouldn’t your family the plaque of Ellis Island Patrons. Ellis Island for generations to come. name be here, too? Liberty Highlights 7 A Few Words From the Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island The Statue of Liberty On behalf of the National Park Service generosity, you helped to restore. We National Monument I would like to take this opportunity to can assure a most interesting, informative has gone through some personally welcome you back to Liberty and inspiring experience for you and very trying times in and Ellis Islands. Now, more than ever I your loved ones. the last ten months. urge you to bring your family and friends Diane H. Dayson, Superintendent The tragic events of to visit these most beloved of national The Statue of Liberty National Monument September 11 shook monuments which, through your our nation and set the world of lower Manhattan reeling. Our Tips for Visiting the Statue & Ellis Island two great monuments to freedom were isitors can once again enjoy the grounds of Liberty Island, and experience immediately closed to the public, with the Statue of Liberty up close. The visitor center, bookstore, gift shop and Ellis Island serving as a refuge and triage restaurant are fully open. At the present time, there is no access to the interior facility for those escaping the horror V of the Statue of Liberty Monument. The monument and the museum at its base remain of the World Trade Center disaster. closed temporarily as a security measure. Americans looked to Lady Liberty— our nation’s premiere symbol of freedom, • Ellis Island is currently fully open. Visitors can experience the Ellis Island hope and peace—for solace and inspira- Immigration Museum, including its thousands of square feet of exhibit space, movie tion during those difficult days. theaters, LIVE theatre presentation, the American Family Immigration History Center™, as well as its gift shop and restaurant. The Islands remained closed for the next three months as appropriate security • New security measures are now in place. All passengers will be screened before measures were reviewed and implement- they board the Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry boats, and there will be restrictions ed. On December 20, 2001, with full on backpacks and luggage. Visitors are advised to arrive early, leaving up to one hour airport security measures in place at for processing through the new security system. Visitors are also advised to leave both Battery Park in backpacks and luggage at home. and in , • The islands are open daily, except Christmas, from approximately 9:30 A.M.– Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton 5:00 P.M. with extended summer hours. officially reopened both Liberty Island • Access to both islands is by the Circle Line–Statue of Liberty Ferry which and Ellis Island to the public. For safety leaves from in Lower Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in New reasons visitors are not allowed within Jersey. Ferry service runs between the Statue and Ellis Island. the Statue herself. However, all are welcomed to stroll the beautiful grounds • Boats leave daily, approximately every half hour, from 9:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. For of Liberty and Ellis Islands and the specific departure times call: (212) 269-5755 or visit www.statueoflibertyferry.com. Immigration Museum is once again • Current ticket prices (includes both monuments) are $10.00/adults; $8.00/sen- totally accessible to the public. iors; $4.00/children (ages 4–12); under 3/free.

Official sponsors of ellisisland.org: Compaq, Discover Card, Geneology.com, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Kodak, Oracle and America Online.

The Statue of Liberty- Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 5200 • New York, New York 10163-5191

L IBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD