$90
exclusive tour
Ellis Island Hospital Hard Hat Tour
Behind-the-scenes hard hat tour inside Ellis Island Contagious Disease Hospital, abandoned since 1954, and once also used as an FBI detention center
Nursing Tour inside Ellis Island’s Abandoned Hospital
Nursing Tour Inside Ellis Island's Abandoned Hospital
- 1.5 hours
- $92 to $95
- Up to 10 guests
- Flexible Cancellations
Tour Highlights
- Discover the history of the over 100-year-old contagious disease hospital, which has been abandoned since 1954.
- Gain insights into the medical history of Ellis Island and the crucial role played by nurses in the care of immigrants
- Learn how Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, influenced the construction of the hospital to limit the spread of diseases and reduce mortality rates
- See what life was like in the hospital as you explore the laundry building, contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, staff house and more
- Gain insights into the medical history of Ellis Island and the crucial role played by nurses in the care of immigrants
- Tour the abandoned hospital buildings, witnessing the challenges faced by both patients and medical staff
- See parts of the exhibition “Unframed” by the world-renowned artist JR, who has placed life-sized historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants on walls of the hospital buildings.
Guests Love This Tour!
“Very interesting and made me proud to be a nurse!”
“It is a fascinating part of American history, and history of medicine. Ellis Island was at the forefront of medical practices at that time and even though the sterilization, ventilation and quarantining practices were crude compare to our standards, they worked with just a 2% death rate. Without the Ellis Island tours we would forget how so many people became American immigrants.”
“It gives insight into medicine’s past, and shows how one segment of public health developed. It dispels the myth that immigrants were treated poorly medically when they got to Ellis Island. In fact, they were given every opportunity to be allowed into the country. I am a dentist, but this would be interesting for all medical professionals.”
“I learned so much about the history of Ellis Island and the medical staff.”
About This Tour:
This is an exclusive nursing tour offered in partnership with Save Ellis Island and dedicated to better understanding the health care of immigrants. This is a truly unique opportunity for anyone working in or interested in the medical field.
Immerse yourself in a unique experience as we explore the historic grounds of Ellis Island, where countless immigrants began their journey to a new life in America. This tour focuses on the critical role of the healthcare professionals. You will connect with the rich history and stories that echo through the wards of the iconic Ellis Island hospital complex..
This exclusive tour is led by one of Save Ellis Island’s veteran guides, Denise Giachetta- Ryan. Denise is a former CUNY professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing. She has also served as Assistant Vice President of Perioperative Services at two New York City hospitals.
Cancellation Policy
Meeting Location
How to Get There?
FAQ
Cancellation Policy
100% refund up to 7 days prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 7 days before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
Meeting Location
The tour meets at the information desk located on the ground floor of the Ellis Island Museum adjacent to the National Park Service information desk. When you get to the meeting location, we will need your first and last name to check you in.
How to Get There?
You get to Ellis Island by ferry from either Castle Clinton, Manhattan or Liberty State Park, NJ. Your ferry tickets to and from Ellis Island are included in the price of this tour, and you will receive them by email a day before the tour. Please print them or show them on your phone to board the ferry.
Departure from Castle Clinton, Manhattan:
If your tour starts at 2pm on Ellis Island please arrive at Castle Clinton, Manhattan no later than 12pm in order to get in the “reserve” line, go through the airport style security, and board the Statue Cruises ferry to Ellis Island. The boat ride itself takes 40 minutes. The boat will first stop on Liberty Island, stay on the boat and wait until its second stop which will be Ellis Island.
Departure from Liberty State Park, NJ:
If your tour starts at 2pm on Ellis Island you will need to arrive at Liberty State Park, NJ no later than 12:30pm in order to get in the “reserve” line, go through the airport style security, and board the Statue Cruises ferry to Ellis Island. The boat ride itself takes 15 minutes. Ellis Island will be the first stop.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
This tour is 1.5 hours long
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Unfortunately this tour is not ADA accessible.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly indoors.
Who will be our guide?
This tour will be led by a Save Ellis Island docent.
Are pets allowed on the ferry or in the park?
No. Pets are prohibited from using the ferry system and being on Liberty and Ellis Islands. However, documented service/assist animals are exempt from this policy. Please contact Statue City Cruises
Any Questions? We're here to help!
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