On April 17, 1907, Ellis Island had its busiest day ever, processing 11,747 individuals who just arrived to America. An average day had them processing about 5,000, so this must have overloaded them! According to the Ellis Island Foundation, “During this historic month [April 1907] of American immigration, the Port of New York received 197 ships…

Everyone knows that immigrants came through Ellis Island to settle in America, but where did they go before that? The answer is Castle Garden,  now known as the Castle Clinton National Monument, on the southern tip of Manhattan. Originally a fort, Castle Garden was constructed between 1808 and 1811, and at that time wasn’t even connected…

As any kid knows, high school is hard. At such a young age you’re expected to excel in every field, even as arts, music, and shop classes become unfortunately less common. Which is why the New-York Historical Society is proud to be a Lead Partner of the new Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High…

Natural-born citizens can learn a lot from a naturalization ceremony. We can remember there are 435 members of the House of Representatives, a fact those vying for citizenship must memorize. We can brush up on the words to the national anthem. We can see just how excitedly someone can wave a tiny American flag. But…