Ellis Island Hospital

Immigration Records

Chris Dunham at The Genealogue has an interesting post on the (Almost) Forgotten Ellis Island.  He links to a article in the New York Times about Ellis Island's Forgotten Hospital  which states it was "one of the largest public health undertakings in United States History."  Lori Conway, a journalist and documentary film maker, spent the last 9 years researching the hospital and the people who passed through it.  She's now authored a book and made a documentary film (more information on the book and film can be found on this website) on the forgotten history of this hospital.  The bad news is the hospital and surrounding buildings have not been restored yet, but the good news is a non-profit organization is trying to raise money to preserve this part of the island so people can visit and learn about an important part of our immigrant past.  Within the New York Times article is a link to another interesting article written in 1998, called The Other Ellis Island, that inspired Lori Conway's efforts.

Because of family stories, I thought my paternal grandmother entered the country through Ellis Island so this place has always had a special meaning to me.  Despite never finding her in the Ellis Island database, I  bought a place on the American Immigration Wall of Honor where both her and my grandfather's names are engraved (search for "Agazio" and they are the first two names on the list).  I've since learned my grandmother actually entered through Philadelphia in 1913. Her ship initially entered New York harbor where she saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (confirming family stories) but apparently her ship was diverted to Philadelphia where she was processed into the country.

It's nice to see restoration of this important part of United States history is continuing.

Click here to subscribe to Genealogy Reviews Online

Comments

[Tim Agazio]

Thank you for your comment...and for visiting the blog. It is a fascinating story. I'm hooked on anything that has to do with Ellis Island...and I hope they are able to restore every building on that island having to do with immigration.

[Smallest Leaf]

Thanks very much for your post about the Ellis Island hospital. I was aware of the book but not the film and the website. It's an amazing story. Thanks for passing it on.

I have a family connection to the hospital and have shared the story at 100 Years in America - http://www.100inamerica.blogspot.com

Thanks again for the good information!