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If the Statue of Liberty is viewed as the shimmering gateway to America, Ellis Island was, from 1892 to 1954, the stern-faced security guard that evaluated immigrants before they’re allowed to enter the US. Walking through the rooms of the redbrick building, visitors can follow the immigration procedure step by step which starts at the Great Hall or Registration Room. Photographs, clothes, posters, ship logbooks, and luggage are displayed across three dozen galleries as well as interactive multimedia presentations that tell of the island’s history. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor, built behind the Main Building, lists the names of some 600,000 immigrants from various ports of entry. It is said that about 40% of all Americans can trace their family history to a man, woman, or child who entered the United States through Ellis Island. The park has free admission and is open daily except on Christmas day. For park inquiries, call (212)363-3200 or go to http://www.ellisisland.org