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An astonishing 40 percent of Americans living today are related to immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1957. While the records they created are vast and complex, this "Genealogy a glance" outline by professional genealogist Sharon Carmack offers instant guidance through the millions of documents they left behind.

During the peak years 1892 to 1924 over 22 million passengers entered New York through Ellis Island, leaving behind a body of records that are crucial in bridging the gap between the old country and the new. And these records are absolutely unique, providing information that can’t be found anywhere else.

Examples of this information include the passenger's last place of residence, final destination in the U.S., if going to join a relative, the relative’s name and address, personal description, place of birth, and name and address of closest living relative in the native country. The records containing this information are available on National Archives microfilm and online in two principal databases, but the key to their location and use is right here in this "At a glance" publication.

In just four pages--laminated for heavy use and convenience--Ellis Island records become intelligible and accessible, and along with a handy list of books for further reference and a list of online resources, research in this massive body of records can now be accomplished at a glance.

See also the other publications in our "At a Glance" series:
Genealogy at a Glance: French-Canadian Genealogy Research, by Denise R. Larson
Genealogy at a Glance: Scottish Genealogy Research, by David Dobson
Genealogy at a Glance: German Genealogy Research, by Ernest Thode
Genealogy at a Glance: African American Genealogy Research, by Michael Hait
Genealogy at a Glance: Irish Genealogy Research, by Brian Mitchell
Genealogy at a Glance: Revolutionary War Genealogy Research, by Craig R. Scott
Genealogy at a Glance: Michigan Genealogy Research, by Carol McGinnis
Genealogy at a Glance: Immigration Research, by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
Genealogy at a Glance: English Genealogy Research, by Paul Milner
Genealogy at a Glance: Virginia Genealogy Research, by Carol McGinnis
Genealogy at a Glance: Italian Genealogy Research, by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
Genealogy at a Glance: French Genealogy Research, by Claire Bettag
Genealogy at a Glance: American Cemetery Research, by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack