Until 1954 the US government considered the health of American citizens its first priority. All foreigners hoping to move to the US were required to stop first at Ellis Island to make sure they weren't carrying diseases. Persons with contagious diseases were kept separate at the Ellis Island hospital. 3000 pieces of laundry were washed and sanitized daily

"From 1892 to 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered USA through the portal of Ellis Island in New York Harbor"

"Guided 90-minute tours will take you to select areas of the 750-bed Ellis Island Hospital. Visit the Laundry Building, with much of its original equipment still in place, where over 3000 pieces of laundry were washed and sanitized daily, infectious and contagious disease wards, kitchen, staff housing, autopsy room and more. ....The “Hard Hat Tour” is a program developed and administered by Save Ellis Island, Inc. All proceeds from the tour will go to the restoration and preservation of the unrestored historic south side buildings."...

"Ellis Island Immigration Museum is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is under the care of the National Park Service. For many, Ellis Island is one of the most meaningful historic sites in New York. Visitors can easily spend hours here learning about America’s immigration history and the varied roles the island has played since the nation’s early years. The Immigration Museum tells the stories of why so many people chose to come to America and what became of them after they arrived. When visiting the monument, be sure to stop at the Information desk in the Immigration Museum to visit with the Save Ellis Island volunteer staff." image from Save Ellis Island



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