Top Genealogy Websites: What You Need To Know - Forbes
The Top Genealogy Websites · MyHeritage · Ancestry.com · FamilySearch · Findmypast.
Ellisisland.org
EllisIsland.org: If you’re digging into family members’ arrivals to the U.S., <anchor>Ellisisland.org</anchor> might prove a helpful resource. With roughly 65 million searchable records, you can find information such as an immigrant’s original name, occupation, last place of residence and details about who the passenger planned to join upon their arrival.
Family History Center | Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Family History Center \| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

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[Be a part of our new initiative at ELLIS ISLAND!](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/supportellis/)\|[CELEBRATE your family story – add a name to the WALL OF HONOR!](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/)

[The Statue of Liberty—Ellis Island Foundation, Inc](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ " The Statue of Liberty—<span>Ellis Island Foundation, Inc</span>")

- [Get Ferry Tickets](/visit/ "Get Ferry Tickets")
- [(0)](https://www.statueofliberty.org/cart/)(0)


- [Statue of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ "Statue of Liberty")








## [Statue of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ "Statue of Liberty")





[Overview + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/ "Overview + History") [Statue of Liberty Museum](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/statue-of-liberty-museum/ "Statue of Liberty Museum") [The Role of the Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/role-of-the-foundation/ "The Role of the Foundation") [The Future of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/future-of-liberty/ "The Future of  Liberty")









###### Be inspired



### Experience the icon in person.

[Plan Your Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/)

- [Ellis Island](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ "Ellis Island")








## [Ellis Island](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ "Ellis Island")





[Overview + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/overview-history/ "Overview + History") [National Museum of Immigration](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/national-immigration-museum/ "National Museum of Immigration") [Family History Center](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/family-history-center/ "Family History Center") [American Immigrant Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "American Immigrant Wall of Honor") [The Role of the Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/role-of-the-foundation/ "The Role of the Foundation") [The Future of Ellis](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/future-of-ellis/ "The Future of Ellis")









###### Make the Voyage



### Walk in the footsteps of history.

[Plan Your Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/)

- [Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/ "Foundation")








## [Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/ "Foundation")





[Mission + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/mission-history/ "Mission + History") [News](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/news-events/ "News") [Leadership + Governance](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/leadership-and-governance/ "Leadership + Governance") [Awards](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/awards/ "Awards") [Our Blog: The Torch](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/the-torch/ "Our Blog: The Torch") [Careers](https://www.statueofliberty.org/career-opportunities/ "Careers")









###### Support Us



### Help keep Liberty alive.

[Donate]( https://www.statueofliberty.org/membership/)


Explore More

- [Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit")


- [Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit")

- [Discover](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/ "Discover")


- [Search Passenger and Ship Records](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/ "Search Passenger and Ship Records")
- [Views from Lady Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/earthcam/ "Views from Lady Liberty")
- [Let Us Start Your Search!](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/immigration-records-search/ "Let Us Start Your Search!")
- [Genealogy Tips](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/genealogy-primer/ "Genealogy Tips")
- [Educational Resources](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/educational-resources/ "Educational Resources")
- [Oral History Project](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/stories-and-oral-histories/ "Oral History Project")
- [Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/famous-passengers/ "Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database")

- [Support](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/ "Support")


- [Ellis Island Museum Reimagined](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/supportellis/ "Ellis Island Museum Reimagined")
- [Become a Member](https://www.statueofliberty.org/become-a-member/ "Become a Member")
- [Make a Donation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/donate/ "Make a Donation")
- [Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "Wall of Honor")
- [Founders Registry](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/founders-registry/ "Founders Registry")

- [Shop](/shop/ "Shop")

- [Donate](/donate/ "Donate")

[Get Ferry Tickets](/visit/ "Get Ferry Tickets") [Donate](/donate/ "Donate")

- [Statue of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ "Statue of Liberty") Click for more info



[Overview + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/ "Overview + History") [Statue of Liberty Museum](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/statue-of-liberty-museum/ "Statue of Liberty Museum") [The Role of the Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/role-of-the-foundation/ "The Role of the Foundation") [The Future of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/future-of-liberty/ "The Future of  Liberty")

- [Ellis Island](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ "Ellis Island") Click for more info



[Overview + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/overview-history/ "Overview + History") [National Museum of Immigration](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/national-immigration-museum/ "National Museum of Immigration") [Family History Center](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/family-history-center/ "Family History Center") [American Immigrant Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "American Immigrant Wall of Honor") [The Role of the Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/role-of-the-foundation/ "The Role of the Foundation") [The Future of Ellis](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/future-of-ellis/ "The Future of Ellis")

- [Foundation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/ "Foundation") Click for more info



[Mission + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/mission-history/ "Mission + History") [News](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/news-events/ "News") [Leadership + Governance](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/leadership-and-governance/ "Leadership + Governance") [Awards](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/awards/ "Awards") [Our Blog: The Torch](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/the-torch/ "Our Blog: The Torch") [Careers](https://www.statueofliberty.org/career-opportunities/ "Careers")


- [Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit") Click for more info



[Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit")

- [Discover](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/ "Discover") Click for more info



[Search Passenger and Ship Records](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/ "Search Passenger and Ship Records")



[Views from Lady Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/earthcam/ "Views from Lady Liberty")



[Let Us Start Your Search!](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/immigration-records-search/ "Let Us Start Your Search!")



[Genealogy Tips](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/genealogy-primer/ "Genealogy Tips")



[Educational Resources](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/educational-resources/ "Educational Resources")



[Oral History Project](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/stories-and-oral-histories/ "Oral History Project")



[Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/famous-passengers/ "Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database")

- [Support](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/ "Support") Click for more info



[Ellis Island Museum Reimagined](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/supportellis/ "Ellis Island Museum Reimagined")



[Become a Member](https://www.statueofliberty.org/become-a-member/ "Become a Member")



[Make a Donation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/donate/ "Make a Donation")



[Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "Wall of Honor")



[Founders Registry](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/founders-registry/ "Founders Registry")

- [Shop](/shop/ "Shop")


[(0)](https://www.statueofliberty.org/cart/)(0)

- [Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit") Click for more info



[Visit](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Visit")

- [Discover](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/ "Discover") Click for more info



[Search Passenger and Ship Records](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/ "Search Passenger and Ship Records")



[Views from Lady Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/earthcam/ "Views from Lady Liberty")



[Let Us Start Your Search!](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/immigration-records-search/ "Let Us Start Your Search!")



[Genealogy Tips](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/genealogy-primer/ "Genealogy Tips")



[Educational Resources](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/educational-resources/ "Educational Resources")



[Oral History Project](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/stories-and-oral-histories/ "Oral History Project")



[Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/famous-passengers/ "Famous Names in the Ellis Island Database")

- [Support](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/ "Support") Click for more info



[Ellis Island Museum Reimagined](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/supportellis/ "Ellis Island Museum Reimagined")



[Become a Member](https://www.statueofliberty.org/become-a-member/ "Become a Member")



[Make a Donation](https://www.statueofliberty.org/donate/ "Make a Donation")



[Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "Wall of Honor")



[Founders Registry](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/founders-registry/ "Founders Registry")

- [Shop](/shop/ "Shop")


![Statue of Liberty](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)

[Visit the Passenger Search]( https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/  "Visit the Passenger Search")

#### Family History Center

# Find Your Story

The American Family Immigration History Center database is home to a vast archive of the immigrant experience.

Comprising approximately 65 million searchable records, this awe-inspiring resource gives modern Americans the opportunity to examine immigration documents, find connections to their ancestry and heritage, and offer their own contributions to an ever-growing catalog of family stories.

The database is accessible in two places: within the Family History Center at Ellis Island and for free online via the [Foundation’s website](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/). Visitors can start their explorations in one place, continue in another, and share their progress with family and friends.

To make the most of your visit to the Family History Center, download this [Research Prep Sheet](https://www.statueofliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Family-History-Center-Research-prep-sheet-Rev-April-2024.pdf) and gather what you know about your ancestors. Once at Ellis Island, a host of research stations are accessible at the Family History Center for a nominal fee that directly supports History Center operations and the necessary care of its records. Research assistants are available to answer questions and assist with your search. Records, as always, remain free to [search online](https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/).

From May 25 until September 2, 2024, the Family History Center will be open daily from 9:45 am to 6:00 pm. Sessions must begin no later than 5:30 pm. Individual sessions are 30 minutes.

Need help getting started? Members at the [VOYAGE](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/become-a-member/) level and above receive one _Immigration Records Search_ session. You will be teamed with one of our research experts to begin your genealogical journey with a virtual/remote research session. Visit our [Membership page](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/become-a-member/) for details.

For research tips, check out our [Genealogy Primer](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/genealogy-primer/), downloadable [tip sheet](https://www.statueofliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Tips-Tricks-Guide.pdf), and how-to [videos](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/education/).

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)

The Family History Center is located on the first floor of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The History Center’s current hours: open daily 9:45am to 4:00pm (last session must begin by 3:30).

![AFIHC, Ellis](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)

###### WHAT YOU'LL FIND

Ship Manifests

### The Voyage

![](https://www.statueofliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/03-08-2005-033255PM.bmp)

A digitized microfiche image of the actual historic document, manifests typically contain the immigrant’s original name, age upon arrival, occupation, last place of residence, and information about who the passenger is joining.

Passenger Records

### The People

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)

You can often find digitized copies of your passenger’s name, date of arrival, ship of travel, and age on arrival.

To learn more about Ship Manifests, explore our [Educational Resources](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/education/).

Ship Information

### The Vessel

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)

Images of some ships are available for viewing and [purchase](https://www.statueofliberty.org/shop/prints/) and can expand the knowledge gained through your family history research.

### About the Museum

The National Immigration Museum gives the 3 million annual visitors to Ellis Island the opportunity to learn about the history and legacy of American immigration.

[Learn More](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/national-immigration-museum/ "Learn More")

### The Wall of Honor

Honor your family and heritage at this unique monument to immigration, joining the Museum and more than 750,000 individuals and families in celebrating who we are and where we came from.

[Learn More](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "Learn More")

### Stories From Ellis

Millions voyaged across the sea, arriving at Ellis Island, America’s first federal immigration station, on their way to a new life. Learn about their experiences through a series of videos produced by the American Family Immigration History Center team.

[Learn More](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/education/ "Learn More")

###### Our mission

### Keeping the Gates Open

Help families and communities discover their connection to history. Support our work and together we'll bring the next generation of voyages to Ellis Island.

[Learn More](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/role-of-the-foundation/ "Learn More")

# The Statue    of Liberty    —Ellis Island    Foundation

###### Join our community

Enter your email address to receive news and updates.

###### Visit

- [Plan Your Trip](https://www.statueofliberty.org/visit/ "Plan Your Trip")
- [Statue of Liberty](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/ "Statue of Liberty")
- [Ellis Island](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/ "Ellis Island")
- [Statue of Liberty Museum](https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/statue-of-liberty-museum/ "Statue of Liberty Museum")
- [National Museum of Immigration](https://www.statueofliberty.org/ellis-island/national-immigration-museum/ "National Museum of Immigration")

###### Support

- [Donate](https://www.statueofliberty.org/donate/ "Donate")
- [Wall of Honor](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/wall-of-honor/ "Wall of Honor")
- [Founders Registry](https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/founders-registry/ "Founders Registry")
- [Become a Member](https://www.statueofliberty.org/become-a-member/ "Become a Member")

###### Discover

- [Passenger + Ship search](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/passenger-ship-search/ "Passenger + Ship search")
- [Stories + Oral Histories](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/stories-and-oral-histories/ "Stories + Oral Histories")
- [Famous Passengers](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/famous-passengers/ "Famous Passengers")
- [Educational Resources](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/educational-resources/ "Educational Resources")
- [Flag of Faces](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/flag-of-faces/ "Flag of Faces")
- [Genealogy Primer](https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/genealogy-primer/ "Genealogy Primer")

###### The Foundation

- [Mission + History](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/mission-history/ "Mission + History")
- [Leadership + Governance](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/leadership-and-governance/ "Leadership + Governance")
- [Awards Program](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/awards/ "Awards Program")
- [Blog](https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/the-torch/ "Blog")
- [Press Room](https://www.statueofliberty.org/press-room/ "Press Room")
- [Contact Us](https://www.statueofliberty.org/contact-us/ "Contact Us")
- [Careers](https://www.statueofliberty.org/career-opportunities/ "Careers")

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Dedicated to the Restoration and Preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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