Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation

Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation
Name	Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation
Founded	0 1982
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Lee Iacocca (Founding Chairman)
Focus	Historic preservation, education
Website	https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/

Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization established in 1982 to lead the private-sector fundraising and oversight for the historic restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The foundation's creation was championed by Lee Iacocca, then chairman of Chrysler, following a presidential commission's recommendation. Its successful efforts culminated in the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986 and the transformative reopening of the main building on Ellis Island as a museum in 1990.

History and establishment

The foundation was created in response to a 1982 report by the Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Centennial Commission, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. The commission, led by Iacocca, found both national monuments in severe disrepair and recommended a public-private partnership for their renewal. With the National Park Service as its federal partner, the foundation was incorporated to raise funds from the American people, corporations, and other donors. This initiative represented one of the largest historic preservation projects in American history.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to preserve the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for future generations. It aims to support the educational and preservation programs of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which is managed by the National Park Service. A core objective is to promote public understanding of American immigration history and the symbolism of liberty. The foundation also maintains the American Immigrant Wall of Honor and funds ongoing conservation work.

Major restoration projects

The foundation's first and most famous project was the **Statue of Liberty Restoration**, completed for its centennial in 1986. This massive effort involved replacing the statue's rusted iron armature with a new stainless steel framework and repairing the torch and copper skin. The **Ellis Island Restoration** followed, focusing on the Ellis Island Main Building, which had been abandoned since 1954. The $160 million project restored the Beaux-Arts building, creating the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

The foundation was instrumental in creating and continues to support this museum, which opened in 1990 within the restored Ellis Island Main Building. The museum's exhibits chronicle the history of immigration to the United States, with a focus on the experiences of the 12 million immigrants processed at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. A key feature is the **American Family Immigration History Center**, which provides access to passenger arrival records. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and public programs.

Fundraising and contributions

The foundation raised over $350 million in its first decade from more than 20 million individual donors, alongside major gifts from corporations and foundations. A highly publicized campaign included a partnership with The Franklin Mint and televised fundraising events. Contributions have funded not only the initial restorations but also an endowment for long-term maintenance, technology upgrades for the museum, and the **Peopling of America Center**, which expanded the immigration narrative to include periods before and after Ellis Island's operation.

Governance and leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of directors composed of leaders from business, philanthropy, and public service. Lee Iacocca served as its founding chairman until 2012, providing pivotal leadership. Subsequent chairmen have included executives from Johnson & Johnson and other major corporations. The foundation's president oversees daily operations and works closely with the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior. Its headquarters are located in New York City.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York City Category:Organizations established in 1982 Category:Statue of Liberty Category:Ellis Island