In the days leading up to the computer fiasco, Michael and I were in New York City on a mini-vacation. [I say mini because it was three days in Manhattan--not the Randy Seaver one month in Australia and Fiji which is a maxi vacation]. The trip was for fun, and indeed, we had fun. But any trip can coincide with genealogy. First and foremost, we stayed in a hotel in Chelsea on West 14th and 8th, not too far from where I was born on West 29th and 6th at French Hospital (which no longer exists).
One of our trips was to see Ellis Island. Michael had never been there and I was there as a school kid, long before the 1990-1992 renovations were completed. I saw the rundown buildings where one had to imagine what it looked like. No more. The renovations are beautiful.
The museum is wonderful and interactive. The main registry hall is fully re-created. It is definitely worth the trip if you are in New York. Three of my four Slovak great-grandparents came through Ellis Island. So this time I got get a picture of the one name that came through that means so much to me.
[It's Paul Holic, my great-grandfather who arrived in 1900]. Someday when I have some more money, I'll get the other two on the plaque as well. You can find out if your ancestors went through Ellis Island for free here.
Really enjoyed this short post on Ellis Island --- I could see it thru your kid's eye. thanks
Posted by: Joan | 05/04/2010 at 10:42 AM