Nearly 20 million immigrants arrived through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924 - roughly 40 percent of Americans descend from these 'huddled masses yearning to breathe free'. Since the Ellis Island website was launched in April 2001, there have been more than 60,000 users visiting it every day, trying to find their ancestors.
For some researchers, locating their immigrant ancestors in Ellis Island's massive database of passenger arrival lists is a snap. For others the 'Island of Hope, Island of Tears' takes on a new meaning. You know your ancestors are in that giant computer somewhere, but where? 'The Family Tree Guide to Finding Your Ellis Island Ancestors' is here to help.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover:
- the basic information you need to begin your search
- tips and strategies for successfully finding your Ellis Island ancestors online
- how passenger lists were created and what information they contain
- how to use microfilmed passenger lists and indexes
- what to do if you're still coming up empty-handed
Journey with your ancestors as you learn what it was like for them to travel across the ocean by steamship, how they processed through Ellis Island, and where to find information and photographs of your ancestor's ship. And for those who had ancestors who arrived right before Ellis Island years, a special chapter is devoted to Castle Garden and its arrivals.
It's the only guide you'll need for finding your Ellis Island ancestors!
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
1. Starting Your Ellis Island Search
2. Passenger Lists
3. Using the Ellis Island Database
4. Back to Microfilm Basics
5. My Ancestor Isn't There - What Now?
6. Before Ellis Island: Castle Garden
7. The Immigrant Experience
8. Ellis Island Medical Records
9. Finding Information on Your Ancestor's Ship
10. Leaving an Ellis Island Legacy
Appendix A: The Creation and Destruction of Ellis Island Immigration manifests Part 1
Appendix B: The Creation and Destruction of Ellis Island Immigration Manifests Part 2
Appendix 3: Immigration and Passenger List Forms
Bibliography
Index
