From 1892 to 1954, more than 12.5 million immigrants were processed through Ellis Island. Coming from all corners of the world, these souls--whom nearly 40 percent of Americans can call family--left behind possessions and family to reinvent themselves in America. Most were processed through Ellis Island without incident, but some found themselves detained due to mental or physical illness; because their paperwork was not in order; or because those who were due to receive them did not show up. What kind of stories could they tell?

In this talk, Fred Voss explores the personal, sometimes heartbreaking, stories of those who came through the facility; those whose visit to the United States ended there; and whose stay on the island was unexpectedly lengthy.

About the presenter: Fred Voss was a volunteer tour guide at Ellis Island National Park for more than nine years. He is also professional genealogist and has been doing personal genealogy for more than thirty-five years and is a trustee and education chair for the Genealogical Society of Bergen County.