Peopling of America Center and World Migration Globe

Why go

The World Migration Globe in the historic Baggage Room gives a global frame for movement between places. The Peopling of America galleries then stretch the timeline in both directions: earlier arrivals and forced migration before Ellis Island opened, followed by postwar immigration after the station closed. Together they prevent the island's history from standing in for every American arrival.

Useful to know

• Use the globe as an introduction, then choose the earlier or later galleries according to the period you want to understand.
• Return to the historic station rooms to compare those broader stories with Ellis Island's own operating years.