| Needing no introduction,
the Statue of Liberty has for decades been one of the nation's leading
attractions. People from all over the world have come to see her, the
very symbol of what America is all about. As it goes, though, there are
probably many New Yorkers who have never made the climb to the Crown.
While there is sometimes a 2 to 3 hour wait in line (spring and fall),
followed by a 22 story climb, it is well worth the wait and the
effort.
In addition, a Museum in the pedestal includes
exhibits on immigration that recall through words, objects, and
photographs the arrival of millions of new Americans. An exhibit on the
Statue explains how it was conceived and constructed. It's a great place
for a family outing and will create a memory to last a lifetime.
The National Park Service offers Public Tours outdoors
from April 1 through October 31. Indoor Museum tours are conducted from
November 1 through March 31. Tours are conducted on a first-come,
first-served basis and availability depends on current staffing levels.
Each tour last approximately 30 minutes.
Group Tours are conducted on the same schedule, with
outdoor tours limited to 45 students and adults and indoor tours limited
to 20 students and adults.
Transportation to Liberty Island is via Circle Line
ferry, which departs on a regular schedule both from Battery Park in New
York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The ferry is the only fee
incurred in visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, aside from
food and souvenirs.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
and
The American Immigrant Wall of Honor
Looking at the buildings on Ellis Island from Battery Park
is a breathtaking experience. And the closer you get, the better it
is.
Ellis Island was the gateway for more than half of the
immigrants entering the U.S. between 1892 and 1924. Closed to public
tours in 1984, it was reopened in 1990, following a $160 million
restoration.
The centerpiece of the restoration project was the Ellis
Island Immigration Museum, with 200,000 square feet of exhibit
space, restored areas, and educational facilities, including an
interactive learning center for children. Two theaters, each
accommodating 140 people, feature a documentary film entitled,
"Island of Hope, Island of Tears." The Museum is self-guided,
though an audio-tour can be rented to help.
The American Immigrant Wall of Honor displays the
names of countless individuals who risked everything to come to America.
They were the people who built this country. On the Wall their names are
inscribed by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to
honor the courage and commitment of those who dared to build upon their
dreams.
Reserved Programs for Groups are available year-round,
for either the NYNEX Learning Center or Theater II.
At either attraction, school groups must be
chaperoned: 1 adult for 10 students. |