Immigration Through Ellis Island (Island of Hope, Island of Tears)

Award Winning Documentary Video Film. Ellis Island was the port of entry for millions of European immigrants. Between 1892 and the early 1950s, nearly 15 million people streamed through Ellis Island in search of a new life. This video contains the stories of extraordinary immigrants, largely in their own poignant words. From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor. Despite the island's reputation as an "Island of Tears", the majority of immigrants were treated courteously and respectfully, and were free to begin their new lives in America after only a few short hours on Ellis Island. Video is a series of black and white pictures and some black and white video. Quality is good and information is good. Video is appropriate for middle elementary, middle school, and high school students.