They arrived to Ellis Island from around the world for countless reasons. Some fled persecution, some ran from famine, and many came simply for the possibility of a better life. Today, the varied stories of Ellis Island immigrants are kept alive through the Oral History project.Â
Explore Oral Histories
A Record of
The project is one of the world’s largest and most diverse chronicles of the immigrant experience. It includes nearly 2,000 interviews from passengers, families, immigration officials, military personnel, detainees, and former island employees. The recordings are filled with tales of joy, sorrow, and hope, and cumulatively, they paint an expansive and complex picture of our ancestry and culture.Â
You can find a selection of stories here or you can make an appointment to visit the Bob Hope Memorial Library on Ellis Island.Â
More information
Visit the Library
The Oral History project is overseen by the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. While a few records can be found online, most can only be explored by making an appointment and visiting the Museum’s Bob Hope Memorial Library, located on the building’s third floor.Â
Be Part of the Project
The Museum continues to conduct interviews with individuals whose lives were touched by Ellis Island. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for an interview, or if you have an interview to submit, please contact the National Park Service.Â
MORE TO EXPLORE
Arrival Records Collection
A Record of Dreams
Find your family’s arrival records to Ellis Island or ports across the U.S. Explore your family’s heritage and get a glimpse of their journey through the gates of America.Â
Famous Passengers
Luminaries and Leaders
The immigrants who came to America through Ellis Island made a profound impact on our culture and society. They made contributions to business, science, and culture – and today, a number of them are counted among our most celebrated citizens.
Join Us
Support the Monuments
Order an Arrival Record, honor your family on the Ellis Island Wall of Honor, become a member of the Foundation, or donate to support Liberty and Ellis.
About The Interviews
Although each interview is unique, Oral History Project records usually cover a range of subjects related to the immigrant’s journey. Common topics include: examination of everyday life in the country of origin, family history, reasons for coming to the United States, experiences while sailing overseas, arrival and processing at the Ellis Island facility, and an in-depth look at adjusting to living in America.
The Foundation
Keeping Our Heritage Alive
Today, the story of Ellis Island is as potent as ever. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving the island's legacy, and works to foster undederstanding and appreciation for the history of American immigration.
