Records Discovery Center
Discover Your Family's Immigration Story
Located inside the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, the Records Discovery Center helps visitors uncover their family's journey to America through historic passenger arrival records and expert genealogy resources.
Whether your ancestors arrived through Ellis Island or another U.S. port of entry, the Records Discovery Center is the perfect place to begin exploring your family's history.
Start Your Search
Begin your family history journey with a simple passenger record search.
For $10, visitors can search historic passenger arrival records with assistance from knowledgeable staff and discover:
- Passenger arrival records
- Passenger manifests
- Ship names
- Arrival dates
- Ports of entry
- Family immigration stories
You'll also have the opportunity to purchase archival-quality reproductions and family history keepsakes.
Take Home Your Family's Story
Preserve your discoveries with archival-quality keepsakes. Available items include:
- Passenger manifest reproductions
- Family history certificates
- Commemorative document holders
These meaningful souvenirs make wonderful family heirlooms and gifts for future generations.
Looking for More?
Take your family history research further with enhanced genealogy services available at select Foundation membership levels.
Make a qualifying donation to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation and gain access to personalized support from genealogy specialists and deeper research assistance.
Why Visit the Records Discovery Center?
The Records Discovery Center offers one of the most unique experiences on Ellis Island—transforming history into a personal connection with your own family story.
Whether you're curious about your heritage, researching a school project, or beginning a lifelong genealogy journey, there's no better place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Records Discovery Center is located inside the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which is included with every Statue City Cruises ticket. A $10 fee applies for a basic passenger record search.
No. The Records Discovery Center can help visitors research arrivals through Ellis Island and many other U.S. ports of entry.
Most basic searches take only a few minutes, while more extensive genealogy research experiences may require additional time.
Yes. Knowledgeable staff and genealogy specialists are available to assist.
Find out your relative's name, around the year they arrived and the country of origin.
All Statue City Cruises ticket options include access to Ellis Island, including General Admission, Pedestal Reserve, Crown Reserve, and Hard Hat Tour tickets.