
About this Event
Stairs of Separation: Ellis Island Tour with Suzanne Uttaro Samuels
Join us for a unique experience at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration! Explore the historic grounds where millions of immigrants first set foot on American soil. This tour, led by Suzanne Uttaro Samuels, author of Seeds of the Pomegranate, will take you through the iconic Stairs of Separation, where families were divided upon arrival. Learn about the trials and triumphs of those who passed through Ellis Island, and gain a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience. Don't miss this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history!
DETAILS:
Stairs of Separation – Ellis Island Tour with Suzanne Uttaro Samuels
Ellis Island, 1906 — where every step could change a life
Saturday September 20th at 1pm
Meet at the flagpole in front of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum for a 90-minute author-led tour tracing the path of Mimi Inglese, heroine of Seeds of the Pomegranate, through the ferry landing, dormitories, dining hall, and the Stairs of Separation. Suzanne Uttaro Samuels blends history with short readings from her novel and behind-the-scenes insights into the immigrant experience. The tour concludes with an optional book signing.
Start Time: 1:00 PM — please arrive early. We recommend taking the 11:30 AM ferry from Battery Park or the 11:45 AM ferry from Liberty State Park to allow time for security and boarding.
Tickets: $45, includes a signed book.
Note: Ferry tickets not included; purchase via Statue City Cruises.
Know Before You Go
- Tour Start: 1:00 PM sharp
- Meeting Point: Flagpole in front of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum (directly across from the ferry landing)
- Ferry Tickets: Not included — purchase from Statue City Cruises
- Recommended Ferry Times:
- From Battery Park (NYC): 11:30 AM
- From Liberty State Park (NJ): 11:45 AM(These times allow for security screening, boarding, and a comfortable arrival before the tour begins.)
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes, plus optional book signing afterward
- Tickets: $45 tour + signed book

Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Ellis island, Jersey City, United States
USD 53.17