Preserving Our Heritage
Our Mission and History
The Foundation works to preserve and honor two of our country’s greatest landmarks: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We pursue a diverse range of educational and community building efforts and work to create meaningful connections between island visitors and the dense fabric of American history.
Our Supporters
You Keep the Dream Alive
The Foundation keeps our national monuments shining bright with the help of supporters like you. Our successes are achieved through the efforts of members, patrons, and community partners. Together, our commitment creates new resources for the public, and keep the islands open for everyone.
Our Leadership
Lighting the Way
Our values driven team works with communities, civic-minded business leaders, and passionate volunteers to expand the legacy of our American icons. Deeply dedicated to our mission, staff oversee a wide range of education programs and fundraising efforts.
Awards
Honoring Our Heritage
Since 2001, the Foundation has honored our national identity by commemorating industry leaders and influencers. Honorees are celebrated for their cultural contributions and recognized for their work in support of liberty and freedom.
News
The Pursuit of Liberty
The Foundation is committed to sharing stories rooted in our history and identity. Find news about our latest ventures and follow stories about our growth and impact.
Visit
Explore Your National Treasures
There’s nothing that compares to basking in the grace of of Lady Liberty, and there are few destinations more rich with history than Ellis Island. Start planning your trip and experience these icons for yourself.
Donate
Give a gift today and help us preserve The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for years to come.
Have questions?
We are not. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation is an independant nonprofit. A successful private-public partnership, we work closely with the National Park Service to maintain two remarkable monuments to freedom.
The Foundation fosters an understanding of and appreciation for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island through a number of education programs and community enrichment initiatives. Select efforts include: overseeing the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum; maintaining the American Family Immigration History Center and the databases of passenger records; enabling access to the parks’ natural and cultural treasures.
To get to Ellis Island visitors must take a ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Visitors should know Statue Cruises is the only authorized concessionaire permitted to sell tickets and provide ferry access to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
If you wish to visit the islands, you should avoid street vendors peddling tickets in and around Battery Park. Tickets sold by street vendors will not provide access to the grounds on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, nor do they offer entry to Statue of Liberty Museum or The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.