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Ellis Island served as the main entry point for millions of immigrants to the United States, with its peak years between 1892 and 1924. This presentation places Ellis Island within the context of US immigration history, debunking some long-standing urban legends. It considers the documents generated as part of the immigration process, including how to find them and what information they include. Additionally, it looks at Ellis Island’s recent story, from its abandonment and partial restoration, and reflects on the conflicting yet critical immigration story in our nation’s long history.

Matt has been fascinated by history for as long as he can remember and has had a passion for genealogy for the past 35 years. As an adoptee himself, he fully appreciates the importance of uncovering one’s roots. Matt’s academic background in historical geography has been invaluable in supporting his genealogical interests, and he has graduated from ProGen 47 and multiple genealogical institutes.

Matt has served in various leadership positions, including as the secretary of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), is currently the organization delegate for the Rogue Valley Genealogical Society (Oregon) and is serving as the Vice-Chair of the Delegates Council of the National Genealogical Society. He is also an active member of the New York Metro and Greater Philadelphia Chapters of the APG and several other local genealogical societies. Matt’s work has been published in numerous local and state genealogical journals.