Ellis Island – Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation creating the Ellis Island Advisory Commission. The bill, A2869/S1695, will help to preserve the Island’s history by making the Ellis Island Institute a vital cultural center and visitor destination.

 “Ellis Island is a cultural and historic symbol that represents the ‘Gateway to America’ for the more than 12 million immigrants who passed through its gates,” said Governor Corzine. “By signing this legislation, we are ensuring that legacy by preserving and protecting this national treasure for future generations to experience.”

The mission of the new Commission has several key objectives: promoting the Ellis Island Institute and conference center regionally and nationally as a vital cultural and destination venue; working with the State of New York and the City of New York on the rehabilitation, reuse and protection of cultural and historic resources at Ellis Island; and ensuring the proposed Institute and conference center represent New Jersey interests, industries and existing institutions.

“For millions of immigrants, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty served as their first view of the United States, after a weeks and sometimes months long journey in search of more opportunity and a better life,” said Senator Sandra B. Cunningham (D-Hudson).  “Regardless of how our ancestors entered this country, this site stands as a reminder of the sacrifices that were made to ensure that the words ‘liberty and justice for all’ ring true.  I can't think of a better way to preserve such an integral part of American history.”

The commission will consist of 20 voting members, including representatives from the Departments of Environmental Protection, Education, Health and Senior Services and Transportation; four members of the Legislature; and five Governor-appointed members with expertise in immigration, public health and the history of Ellis Island.

“For millions of families across the nation, the path to the American Dream started on Ellis Island,” said Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden). “The restoration of Ellis Island's hospital will give future generations a window into one the country’s greatest challenges -- protecting the health of the teems of people who endured months at sea hoping to start new lives here. We must ensure that we preserve our state’s role in this national historic site that played a vital part in the lives and health of millions of immigrant families.”

Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892 and operated until 1954, processing more than 12 million immigrants that passed through the facility located in New York Harbor. The main building was restored and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.  On May 26, 1998 the U.S. Supreme Court recognized and acknowledged New Jersey’s jurisdiction over a substantial portion of Ellis Island.

Primary sponsors of the legislation were Assemblymen Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden), Anthony Chiappone (D-Hudson), and Senator Sandra B. Cunningham (D-Hudson).

QUICK FACTS ABOUT ELLIS ISLAND

• Ellis Island is named after Samuel Ellis, a businessman and landowner who owned the island from the 1780s until he died in 1794.
• The land was then transferred to the State of New York until it was ceded to the Federal Government in 1808.
• Ellis Island opened in 1892 as the first federally operated immigration station and was originally comprised of wooden buildings.
• The site officially closed in 1954 after processing more than 12 million immigrants.
• In 1965, it became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument site under the National Park Service.
• The main building was restored during the 1980’s at a cost of $160 million and opened as a National Immigration Museum on September 10, 1990.
• In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a substantial portion of Ellis Island falls under New Jersey jurisdiction.
• Today, more than 40 percent of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

Source: National Park Service

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