Welcome to the Ellis Island Simulation Page
Many of the 4th and 5th grade classes will take part in a simulation of the processing which occurred at Ellis Island, New York.  Each student will draw an "identity" from a container and research the country their character came from and what that person may have worn as an immigrant coming to America in 1908.

This will be the culminating activity to our study of the influence of immigration on America.

The Ellis Island Simulation will be held on Thursday, February 22nd, 2000.
LEFT:  The Main Building at Ellis Island which was finished in December of 1900 to replace the original building which was destroyed by fire.

RIGHT:  The Registry Room or Great Hall.
Any parents who wish to volunteer to help, please contact Mr. Marple.
This project will not require the students to purchase elaborate costumes to wear for the simulation. Students are to look through closets and attics and see what they can find that would work for the immigrant they are portraying.  The students research their character's country and clothing in class. However, students are encouraged to do more research outside of class.
RESEARCH SITES:
Listed below are a couple of links to websites which will help aid in research for the simulation.

Ellis Island Research (through Yahoo! search)

An EXCELLENT web site for immigrant photographs
Some guidelines for costumes . . .
(Remember, during the simulation the date will be February 22nd, 1908).
FOR  BOYS:
HATS:  In the early 1900's, most men did not go outside without a hat.  Try to find an old hat (not a baseball or cowboy hat).  The hats that are flat toward the front and button down in the front are perfect for the early 1900's.

CLOTHING: A long sleeve dress shirt with a coat (not a parka or hooded coat) works well.  Also, a sweater would work.  If you do not have a coat or sweater, just wear a nice long sleeve shirt (no designs, logos, or words on the front or back).  For pants, you could wear an old pair of jeans, a pair of dress pants, or a pair of dark pants.  No sweatshirts or sweatpants.

SHOES: Wear dark shoes (no tennis shoes or sneakers unless they are completely dark - no white or other colors on them).  You could also wear boots (not cowboy) if you have them.

SUITCASE / LUGGAGE: Try to find an old looking suitcase or cloth or leather bag.  Do not bring a gym bag or bookbag.
FOR  GIRLS:
HATS/HEADWEAR:  In the early 1900's, most women did not go outside without a covering over their heads.  Many immigrant women wore a scarf over their head.

CLOTHING: A long dress is what nearly every immigrant woman wore.  If you do not have a long dress (not a prom dress or ball gown), then wear a dark pair of pants.   No sweatshirts or sweatpants.  For a top, you could wear a long sleeve shirt or sweater.  If you have a shawl to wear also, that would look very authentic.  Do not wear bright colors since only the wealthy could afford bright colored clothing. 

SHOES: Wear dark shoes (no tennis shoes or sneakers unless they are completely dark - no white or other colors on them).  You could also wear boots (not cowboy) if you have them.

SUITCASE / LUGGAGE: Try to find an old looking suitcase or cloth or leather bag.  Do not bring a gym bag or bookbag.
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses,
yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your
teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless,
tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
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