The place
Over 40% of the U.S. population descend from the 17 million immigrants that have passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. The three story Ellis Island Museum is housed in the same building that the immigrants came through in those 64 years.

It's Open
Ellis Island is currently fully open. Liberty Island is also open, though access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty Monument is restricted as a security measure.