Power Hour 27 A Trip to the Immigration Museum

The class took a ferryboat that chugged past the Statue of Liberty. When they arrived at Ellis Island, Sara noticed that the museum was in a big redand-white building. Inside, Sara saw old trunks, suitcases, and baskets. "This is where immigrants had to check their baggage," a guide said. "They had come on long trips aboard very crowded ships. They knew they might never be able to return to their old countries."

The museum was filled with photographs and exhibits. Sara saw old-time dresses, boots, and other clothing from many countries. She looked at letters and passports and documents. She and her friends watched a few video interviews. The people being interviewed were proud to have become Americans. Sara also felt proud. Her parents had immigrated to the United States, too. She thought she would like to know more about how her parents came here. "I am going to interview them when I get home," she decided.