Click here for recipes that can be used for Immigration Day.
What is Immigration Day?
Immigration Day allows students to step back in time and experience what it might have been like for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in 1907. Students will dress up as immigrants from that era and take part in activities that help them understand the challenges, hopes, and experiences of those who came to America seeking a new life. As part of the event, students will also get to taste foods from the countries represented by the immigrants, giving them a better understanding of different cultures and traditions.
This day would not be possible without the help of our parents and guardians. We will need volunteers to play the roles of Ellis Island workers—such as inspectors, doctors, and interviewers—who greeted and processed new arrivals. All volunteers assisting with Immigration Day must be approved Level II volunteers. In addition, we are looking for adults who are willing to prepare and share dishes from a variety of countries and cultural backgrounds. Volunteers will also be needed to donate items such as plates, napkins, utensils, and bottled water.
If you would like to volunteer to play the role of an Ellis Island worker or to help serve food, click here. If you would like to volunteer to prepare a dish or to donate plates, napkins, utensils, or bottled water, click here. To complete an application to become a level II volunteer, click here. Your support will help make Immigration Day an experience students will not soon forget.
How does one dress for Immigration Day?
Below are ideas on how to dress for Immigration Day.
Click here and scroll down to see how students have dressed for past Immigration Days.
Immigration Day
October 31, 2025
Ellis Island passenger search: https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/
Log in using the email: pesimmigrant@gmail.com and the password PES5immigrant!