Between mapping out our family trees on Ancestry.com and spitting in a test tube for 23 & Me, tracing one’s roots and learning about our family histories has become quite the trend these days. Spend one more seeing where those beloved forefathers (and foremothers) first set their sights on America with a trip to the new Statue of Liberty Museum.
Just in time for the Fourth of July, this 26,000-square-foot museum, loaded with historic relics and interactive exhibits, is now open on—where else—Liberty Island. For the first time since September 11, 2001, every visitor now has the opportunity to experience meaningful artifacts and discover a deeper understanding of Lady Liberty’s history and what she stands for.
Outside the museum, visitors young and old will love setting their eyes on the breathtaking panoramic views of the Upper Bay between New York and New Jersey and, of course, Lady Liberty herself (all 150 feet of her). But inside is where the real learning—and fun—begins.
The museum is divided into three sections: start with a walk-through multimedia presentation in the Immersive Theatre; then continue on to the Engagement Gallery, where traditional and interactive visits expand on the statue's construction, its enduring legacy, and its place in pop culture. Finally, get your grand finale on in the Inspiration Gallery, where Lady Liberty’s original torch (replaced during the renovation in the 1980s) takes center stage. On view next to it is a full-scale, copper-clad replica of Lady Liberty’s iconic face, along with an accompanying sign that reads (to the relief of all parents with rogue-fingered toddlers, tweens, and teens): “Please feel free to touch the face.”
Admission to the museum is included in the cost of they ferry ticket required to get to and from the island from Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park in New York. Click here for info and advance tickets.
It’s a fun and easy way to instill a sense of meaningful history not just in your family but also for every family that makes up this great melting pot we call America.
