Why did you bring me here grandpa? Where are we?
We’re on Ellis Island. This is where many immigrants arrived when they wanted to live in America. My father, your great-grandfather, came here in 1904. I want to tell you his story…
Look at the Statue of Liberty over there, Mary. It was the first thing your ancestor saw when he arrived in New York Harbour.
Where did your father come from?
He came from Ireland. He was very poor, and he thought that he would have a better life in America. This is the American Dream.
Come on! Let’s go inside!
…
The immigrants arrived here in “The Great Hall”, and they were examined by doctors upstairs.
What happened after that?
They had to answer 29 questions in two minutes. A lot of immigrants didn’t understand anything. They were all frightened, very tired, and worried.
Look at that big wall over there! Let’s go and have a look at it!
This is the wall of honour. All the names that are written on it are immigrants’ names. Look for your ancestor’s name!
Oh! Here it is!
I tried to give you the US spelling, but the computer seems to have autocorrected it.. change "honour" to "honor" (if you prefer US spelling)