NYC Island Hopping: Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour 👷 -

It was a gorgeous day to spend island hopping in New York City! First, Ellis Island…

My trip to the island would allow me to cross something off my NYC Bucket List–a trip to the old Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital.

In operation between 1902 and 1951 when it treated 1.2 million immigrants upon arrival in New York Harbor, it’s now part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Though the hospital, on the south side of Ellis Island, is off-limits to the general public, Save Ellis Island facilitates tours into the derelict structures. “The Hard Hat Tour” includes stops in the infectious and contagious disease wards, kitchen and the mortuary and autopsy room of the hospital. Informative and safe, I enjoy the peace of mind an organized tour offers. And with less tourists about Manhattan, limited capacity and social distancing, the idea of a tour is less annoying for this introvert. Tours also support the restoration and rehabilitation of the unrestored Hospital Complex–a very important historical structure well worth the efforts. The tour also includes the art exhibit Unframed by famous French street artist JR. It was a great afternoon and the tour guide rocked–highly recommended all around. Here are some pictures to say more…