2023: Upward Bound Trip – Ellis Island
After spending some time on Liberty Island, we boarded the ferry and sailed to Ellis Island, a historic site that served as the gateway to America for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Known as the “Island of Hope” for those seeking new opportunities and freedom, and the “Island of Tears” for those turned away, it stands as a poignant symbol of the American immigrant experience. Today, Ellis Island houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where visitors can explore exhibits detailing the immigrant journey, view personal artifacts, and trace their own family histories. Highlights include the Registry Room, or “Great Hall,” where immigrants were processed, and the moving “American Immigrant Wall of Honor,” which commemorates the names of those who passed through. With its rich history and deeply personal stories, Ellis Island remains a powerful reminder of the diverse cultural fabric that shaped the United States.
For this spread, I chose a brownish-red and gray color theme to reflect the stone and ironwork of the Ellis Island buildings. To complement the theme, I used green ink to draw the Ellis Island title image and an immigration stamp, as green is traditionally associated with immigration stamps. The entire layout was created in Cricut Design Space and brought to life using my Cricut Maker. The Statue of Liberty image and the suitcases were cut out using designs from the Cricut Access collection, while the immigration stamp and Ellis Island title were sourced online and converted in Cricut Design Space to fit the page. I’m really pleased with how these elements turned out.
The left-hand page features photos of the building’s exterior, while the right-hand page includes images from the Great Hall, where immigrants waited to find out if they would be admitted to the country. The right-hand border showcases antique photographs from the era when Ellis Island was in operation, adding a historical touch. The left-hand border features letters and other ephemera, although I would have liked to use similar elements on both sides but didn’t have enough images. On the right-hand page, you’ll also notice a table—one of the original tables where immigration officers reviewed immigrants’ paperwork. This spread captures the historical significance and emotional weight of Ellis Island, honoring its role in shaping countless lives and the nation’s identity.
As I reflected on the significance of Ellis Island, I couldn’t help but hope that America continues to welcome new people to our country with the same spirit of opportunity and hope that once defined this historic gateway. The strength and diversity that immigrants bring are essential to the fabric of our nation, and keeping this legacy alive ensures that the promise of liberty and freedom remains accessible to future generations.
Ellis Island Websites:
- National Park Service – Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation
To watch this spread being put assimilated click on the video below:
Categories: 2023, History Museum, Upward Bound Trip 2023
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