Ellis Island Family History Tour Walk with Your Ancestors

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2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Take a private, personalized tour of Ellis Island, the historic gateway through which millions of immigrants entered the United States. This immersive experience focuses on tracing your family’s immigration story using original ship manifests, immigration records, and historical documents that reveal their arrival and first steps in America.

During the tour, you’ll walk the same grounds where immigrants were once processed and learn how these records connect to your family’s past. Blending history with personal discovery, the tour offers a meaningful way to explore your heritage and understand the beginnings of your family’s American journey.

Please note: Access to Ellis Island requires a mandatory round-trip ferry ticket, which is not included and must be purchased separately. This experience involves 3–4 weeks of research prior to the tour.

What's Included

Personalized family history presentation
Knowledgeable private guide for two hours
Beautifully crafted book detailing family journey
Ferry Tickets

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We encourage you to arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour departure time so you can get acquainted with your guide before the tour begins. Tour meeting point: At the front of Castle Clinton National Monument, 21 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004 Transportation options to the tour meeting point:

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Ellis Island Immigration Museum

    Travelers explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, visiting the main exhibition halls where millions of immigrants were processed. The guide explains the immigration procedures, shares historical context, and helps guests understand how family records and ship manifests document their ancestors’ arrival in the United States.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Ellis Island Immigration Museum

    Visitors walk through the historic Great Hall of the Ellis Island Immigration Station, where immigrants once waited for inspection. The guide explains medical and legal screening processes and highlights the significance of this space in the American immigration journey.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Travelers visit the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, a commemorative monument displaying engraved names of immigrants who contributed to the United States. Guests learn about the legacy of immigration and the importance of preserving family heritage.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Ellis Island

    Guests walk across the historic grounds of Ellis Island, learning about the original buildings, hospital complex, and daily life of immigrants during processing. The guide provides historical insight while visitors take in views of New York Harbor

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
Supplied by 40 Thieves New York Tours
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Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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