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APRIL 17 -- IS “ELLIS ISLAND FAMILY HISTORY DAY”
New York, NY (April 2003) -
By official proclamation of our nation’s governors, April 17 has been designated as “Ellis Island Family History Day.”
Under the auspices of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. and the National Genealogical Society, the
day has been set aside annually to recognize the achievements and contributions made to America by Ellis Island immigrants
and their descendants.
Historically, April 17 marks the day in 1907 when more immigrants were processed through
Ellis Island than on any other day in its colorful history -- 11,747 people. Over 40% of the U.S. population today --
100 million Americans – can trace their roots back to the 17 million brave and hopeful immigrants who took their first
steps towards freedom and opportunity by going through the “Golden Door” of Ellis Island.
In celebration of “Ellis
Island Family History Day” the Foundation has instituted the “Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards” which are given
annually to a select number of Ellis Island immigrants or their descendants who have made a significant contribution to
the American experience.
Ellis Island Family History Day was first celebrated on April 17, 2001 to commemorate
the opening of the American Family Immigration History Center® at Ellis Island and its companion website:
www.ellisisland.org.
For further information on the American Family Immigration History Center™
visit:
www.ellisisland.org, AOL Keyword: EllisIsland.org, or write:
The Statue of Liberty-Ellis
Island Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box ELLIS
New York, NY 10163
Email: historycenter@ellisisland.org
# # #
Peg Zitko
(212)561-4517
pzitko@ellisisland.org
Maria Antenorcruz
(212)561-4542
mantenorcruz@ellisisland.org
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