Forgotten Ellis Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forgotten Ellis Island |
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Directed by | Lorie Conway |
Produced by | Amy Stechler |
Narrated by | Elliott Gould |
Music by | Gil Talmi |
Cinematography | Ken Willinger |
Editing by | William A. Anderson |
Release date(s) | June 8, 2008(Boston Film Festival) |
Running time | 62 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Forgotten Ellis Island is a documentary film directed by Lorie Conway. A documentary is a movie that tells a true story or shows real events. This film is narrated by the famous actor Elliott Gould.
The movie is about the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital. This was a very important hospital in New York City. A book with the same name was also written by Lorie Conway. It came out in 2007. The film took nine years to make! It also received help from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The movie first showed on Public Broadcasting Service on February 9, 2009.
Contents
The Story of Ellis Island Hospital
Ellis Island is a small island in New York Harbor. From 1892 to 1954, it was the busiest immigrant inspection station in the United States. Millions of people came through Ellis Island. They hoped to start a new life in America.
A Hospital for Immigrants
Not everyone who arrived was healthy. Some immigrants were sick or had health problems. This is where the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital came in. It was a large hospital on the island. Its job was to care for these new arrivals.
Why Was It Needed?
When immigrants arrived, they had health checks. Doctors looked for diseases. They also checked for other health issues. If someone was sick, they could not enter the country right away. They had to go to the hospital first. This helped keep everyone safe and healthy.
Life at the Hospital
The hospital had many buildings. It had wards for different illnesses. There were also operating rooms. Doctors and nurses worked hard there. They treated many different conditions. Patients stayed until they were well enough to leave. Then, they could finally enter America.
The Film: Bringing History to Life
The film Forgotten Ellis Island tells the story of this hospital. It shows what life was like for the patients. It also tells about the staff who worked there. The movie uses old photos and interviews. It helps us understand this important place.
Why "Forgotten"?
After 1954, Ellis Island closed. The hospital buildings were left empty. They slowly fell apart. For many years, they were forgotten. The film helps to bring their story back. It reminds us of the millions of lives touched by this hospital.
Legacy of Ellis Island
Today, part of Ellis Island is a museum. Visitors can learn about immigration history. The hospital buildings are still there. They are a reminder of the past. The film helps us remember the hospital's important role. It shows how it helped shape America.