ThoughtGallery.org > Set Sail to Hidden Art Deco on Ellis Island

Set Sail to Hidden Art Deco on Ellis Island

Join ADSNY for a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of an important Art Deco gem that is closed to the public: the 1936 Ellis Island Ferry House. 

On this summer afternoon we will set sail to Ellis Island––enjoying scenic views along the way, including southern Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty––and explore the history, architecture, restoration, and preservation of the treasured buildings that played a vital role in the United State’s immigration story.

While more than three million people visit Ellis Island annually, veryfew are ever invited inside the Art Deco Ferry House, which was built in 1936 by the Public Buildings Branch of the Procurement Division for the Immigration Service of the Department of Labor. This private tour is your rare opportunity to gain exclusive access to this unique Art Deco building and learn of its complex history from the historians, architects, and preservationist closest to the restoration project.

In 1954, when Ellis Island was largely abandoned, this Art Deco treasure began to suffer and slipped into decay. After over 50 years of neglect, the buildings of Ellis Island underwent a full restoration in 2007. But, in 2012, the island suffered severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy. Architects and preservationists were not easily deterred and started the restoration project again. After many years of dedicated restoration efforts, the 1936 Art Deco Ferry House has been lovingly restored and is opening its doors just for us. 

In addition to seeing the island’s Art Deco treasure, attendees will see the wonderful terra-cotta ornamentation throughout the island, learn about the progress to open other important structures, and wind through the Registry Room, where twelve million immigrants passed through from 1900–1954.











When: Sun., Jul. 29, 2018 at 12:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Join ADSNY for a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of an important Art Deco gem that is closed to the public: the 1936 Ellis Island Ferry House. 

On this summer afternoon we will set sail to Ellis Island––enjoying scenic views along the way, including southern Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty––and explore the history, architecture, restoration, and preservation of the treasured buildings that played a vital role in the United State’s immigration story.

While more than three million people visit Ellis Island annually, veryfew are ever invited inside the Art Deco Ferry House, which was built in 1936 by the Public Buildings Branch of the Procurement Division for the Immigration Service of the Department of Labor. This private tour is your rare opportunity to gain exclusive access to this unique Art Deco building and learn of its complex history from the historians, architects, and preservationist closest to the restoration project.

In 1954, when Ellis Island was largely abandoned, this Art Deco treasure began to suffer and slipped into decay. After over 50 years of neglect, the buildings of Ellis Island underwent a full restoration in 2007. But, in 2012, the island suffered severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy. Architects and preservationists were not easily deterred and started the restoration project again. After many years of dedicated restoration efforts, the 1936 Art Deco Ferry House has been lovingly restored and is opening its doors just for us. 

In addition to seeing the island’s Art Deco treasure, attendees will see the wonderful terra-cotta ornamentation throughout the island, learn about the progress to open other important structures, and wind through the Registry Room, where twelve million immigrants passed through from 1900–1954.

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