Millions of Americans Trace Their Roots Through Ellis Island

Can you trace one of your ancestors through Ellis Island? If so, you’re part of a remarkable American story—one shared by more than 100 million Americans, or about 30 percent of today’s population. And for many of those descendants, April 17 is a day to remember.

That date marks the busiest day in the history of Ellis Island, when on April 17, 1907, a record 11,747 immigrants passed through its doors. Since 2001, April 17 has been celebrated as a day to honor the millions who arrived in America through Ellis Island—and the millions more who helped shape the country as their descendants.

The recognition comes from The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and the National Genealogical Society, who selected the date not just for its historical significance, but to celebrate the enduring impact of immigrants on American life.

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island served as the country’s primary immigration processing center. Located in New York Harbor, it became the first stop for more than 12 million immigrants, most of whom arrived in third-class or steerage accommodations, carrying hope, determination, and little else.

The immigrant experience wasn’t always smooth. As wars, economic hardship, and social changes swept the globe, the U.S. government passed laws limiting who could enter. But for those who made it through, Ellis Island became a powerful symbol of opportunity and new beginnings.

After it closed as a processing center in 1954, Ellis Island fell into disrepair before being restored and reopened to the public as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Today, it’s both a museum and a place of discovery, with millions of visitors each year exploring their family roots.

Over the years, Ellis Island has become synonymous with the American dream. To highlight the contributions of immigrants and their descendants, the foundation has honored notable Americans whose families came through Ellis Island. Among them are songwriter Irving Berlin, entertainers Bob Hope and Cicely Tyson, athletes Yogi Berra and Joe Namath, architect I.M. Pei, author Mary Higgins Clark, and public figures like Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, and Lee Iacocca.

If you’re curious about your own family’s immigration history, you can search Ellis Island’s records online for free. The site libertyellisfoundation.org offers access to a passenger database that includes ship manifests, arrival dates, and more—allowing users to trace the journeys of ancestors who may have started their American lives on that small island in New York Harbor.

Whether or not your family came through Ellis Island, April 17 serves as a reminder of the strength, sacrifice, and dreams that built America—one hopeful arrival at a time.