Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
New York Harbor
Photo by Whitney Cox
The historic Main Immigration Building at Ellis Island, a Beaux-Arts structure designed by Boring & Tilton, opened in 1900 for the processing of immigrants to the United States. In 1990, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum opened in the building offering a wide spectrum of exhibits related to Ellis Island’s role as the country’s main port of entry in the early 20th century and issues related to immigration and citizenship. After more than thirty years of operation, the museum is Reimagining Ellis - framing Ellis Island’s story within a larger national scope.
Working with the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the National Park Service, Highland Associates (Architects and Engineers), and Ralph Applebaum Associates (Exhibit Designers), LSA is serving as the Preservation Architect for Reimagining Ellis. Archival documentation, including original drawings, archival photographs, previous renovation drawings, and the Historic Structures Report were carefully reviewed to gain an understanding of the original, historic, and existing construction. Working with the Project Team to develop designs in conformance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; and reviewing shop-drawings, samples and mock-ups ensure that Reimagining Ellis will enhance the museum’s interpretive narrative while retaining the Museum’s site specificity and historic character.
Designation: Statue of Liberty National Monument, National Register of Historic Places, New York State Register of Historic Places, New Jersey Register of Historic Places, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Ellis Island Historic District, Main Building: LPC Interior Landmark
