Iconic America: Ellis Island

“Ellis Island may not appear large on a map, but it is an unparalleled destination in United States history. After welcoming more than 12 million immigrants to our shores, Ellis Island is now a poetic symbol of the American Dream.”

Join us as we welcome Stephen Lean, Director of the Family History Center at Ellis Island, and Matt Housch, Public Historian and Archivist for the National Park Service to learn more about the history of Ellis Island and about the research resources offered. 

Stephen Lean – Director, Family History Center 

Having started his career in the corporate sector, Stephen embraced his passion for history and storytelling when he joined the Foundation on July 4, 2015. Under Stephen’s leadership, the History Center’s team is an indispensable resource for visitors exploring their family heritage. 

Stephen holds a B.A. in American History and has a deep knowledge of Ellis Island and the Ellis Island immigrant experience. Armed with this expertise, Stephen is a frequent guest speaker and interview subject for local, national, and international media. 

Matt Housch is a public historian and archivist for the National Park Service at Statue of Liberty National Monument & Ellis Island. He grew up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and has worked in a number of national park units, including Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Cane River Creole National Historic Site, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. His academic interests concern immigrant processing in the port of New York (1892-1924) and ethnic revivalism during the American Bicentennial.

This program is made possible by a grant from PBS Books, WETA. Funding is provided by The Zohar Ben-Dov Family through the Luminescence Foundation

~~~~~

Code of Conduct

For questions, please email Eliscia Cirrone, ecirrone@lilrc.org.

Professional Development Hours: 1 (.1 CEUs)

Program Recording: Yes

FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS -