Floral Park Historical Society

Sunday, November 12, 2023 – 2PM Ellis Island Part II Free -  “Stories from Ellis Island” as told by

Fred Voss, Ellis Island Guide, Genealogical Researcher, Educator.

Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892 as the nation’s first federal immigration entry point. During the next 32 years, it was by far the busiest US inspection station, processing over 12.5 million people, each hoping for a chance at a new live. It is estimated that 40% of all Americans can trace their roots back to the immigrants that came through Ellis Island.

Did you have relatives who came through Ellis Island?  Did the inspectors detain them?  Were they treated at the island’s hospitals?  Did your family names get changed by the inspectors?!  Fred Voss is a tour guide at Ellis Island National Park.  He will give an illustrated talk about the past, present and future of this iconic American landmark as well as share some of his favorite immigration stories.

Ellis Island postcards - from New York Public Library - Thank you!

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/collections/historical-postcards-of-new-york-city#/?tab=navigation&roots=35:195c06f0-0e86-0135-c206-1bb8efd7e357 

Fred Voss is a professional genealogical researcher, educator, and lecturer. He has completed the Boston University online Genealogical Research class and frequently lectures at libraries and genealogical societies.  Voss volunteers at Ellis Island, leading tours of the recently re-opened hospitals on the island's Southside, and teaches genealogy at Bergen Community College in New Jersey. Voss graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Mathematics.  He has worked for 40+ years in the computer industry and spent the last 25 years specializing in Internet Security.

From Getty Images, Thank you!

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/ellis-island?mediatype=photography&phrase=ellis%20island&sort=mostpopular