Island of Hope, Island of Tears- Ellis Island National Monument Virtual Tour

Heritage Documentation Programs offers a virtual field trip takes you through the experience of Ellis Island in a 360-degree tour. This tour is excellent for students as they learn about the history of the arrivals and see where many of our families came through when making their way to America from other countries. Each screen offers information and history on each page, with primary source images and files from immigrants, as well as videos to watch and mesh models of architectural features to examine. We suggest you explore the toolbar, which offers thumbnail views and site fly-throughs of the entire complex. No matter where you click, there is historical information on the right-hand side. When you are done with one "slide" you click "next" and it brings you to more information and media including data about the immigrants.

To frame the conversation with students, try the five-part video series on this page that includes some essential questions to drive your discussions. Most of the country does not live near Ellis Island and can't see it in person. Skip the traditional classroom lecture and immerse your class in a guided experience.

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