GATEWAY TO AMERICA: STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND

Start at Battery Park and historic Castle Clinton. Board the Liberty Island Ferry, and enjoy the view of Upper New York Bay and the skyscrapers of the Financial District. Once on Liberty Island, gaze up at the Statue of Liberty and understand her many freedoms: the centennial celebration of the American Revolution as well as the abolition of slavery. However, to the newly arriving immigrants, her symbolism ran much deeper than her thin copper skin.

Next, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum: enjoy a guided tour of the museum's highlights. Take the uncertain trip as an immigrant, through the many steps of examination and interrogation before the critical phrase "Free to land!" Understand the Push and Pull of immigration, as families left behind an old, tired Europe to arrive at this mysterious, bright new land of opportunity. Find your ancestors' names on the Wall of Honor.