Discover New York
St. John’s University
Professor Nicole Hala
Fall 2012
ELLIS ISLAND ASSIGNMENT
Before the end of the semester, you must make a trip to Ellis Island. Attach a copy of the boat
receipt with your paper (You will need to ask for a receipt) and indicate the date of your trip. Answer the following
questions in a paper 2-3 pages in length (500 – 850 words).
1. Briefly describe the “American Immigrant Wall of Honor.”
Does your surname appear on the wall? If so, what were the names of those individuals
honored? To the best of your knowledge, were any of the names on the wall those of
your ancestors?
If your surname did not appear, what name would appear before and after yours
alphabetically on the wall if your name was there?
2. Describe one of the “Treasures from Home” that immigrants brought that you found
interesting. Why was it interesting to you?
3. The “Peopling America” exhibit provides information on the number of immigrants from
various lands. In which three states are the most members of the ethnic/national groups of the
following ancestors concentrated?
Grandparent
Country of Birth
States with highest percentage
Maternal grandmother
Maternal grandfather
Fraternal grandmother
Fraternal grandfather
4. How do you identify yourself in terms of ethnicity and/or nationality?
5. In the exhibit representing the eras and places of immigration in three dimensions, describe
the immigration patterns of the area of people with whom you identify?
6. Which exhibit did you enjoy the most? Why? Describe the process that immigrants endured
as they made their way through Ellis Island (i.e., what was the order of the departments that they
passed through?)
At what stops might they be sent home and for what reasons?