Martin Luther King Day is observed on January 15, 2018. On this day, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who brought hope and healing to America. King dreamt that all Americans would be judged by their personalities and not by the color of their skin. King was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929 and the holiday is celebrated on the Monday closest to that date.
Congratulations to Peg Breen, the staff and Trustees of the New York Landmarks Conservancy for 45 years of helping to preserve New York’s architectural heritage. Ms. Breen, President of the Conservancy and Board Member of Save Ellis Island, Inc. has been instrumental in assisting Save Ellis Island and the National Park Service with stabilization and preservation efforts on the south side of Ellis Island.
The holidays were very important on Ellis Island, perhaps the most celebrated was Christmas. It was observed each year at Ellis Island through religious services, festivities, and gift giving. The Roman Catholic Church and the various Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Churches and denominations offered separate religious services in accordance with their respective traditions.
Ellis Island – Parents, children and anyone in the holiday spirit are welcome to attend a book reading and book signing by author Maxinne Rhea Leighton of her beloved children’s book An Ellis Island Christmas (Viking Penguin), a book for children about immigration, recipient of the Marion Vannett Ridgeway Award. This free event will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the Eastern National Ellis Island bookstore located at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, 1st floor.
Happy President’s Day! Today, we celebrate and honor United States presidents from past and present. Save Ellis Island would like to share a brief history of a few of our presidents who have influenced Ellis Island and have made historic visits to the island.