Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation

Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1982 by Lee Iacocca and Pierre Schlumberger to support the restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The foundation works closely with the National Park Service to raise funds and promote the history and significance of these iconic landmarks, which are also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The foundation's efforts have been supported by numerous notable individuals, including Ronald Reagan, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Ted Kennedy. The organization has also partnered with various institutions, such as the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Public Library, and the Smithsonian Institution.

● History

The foundation was established in response to the deteriorating condition of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which had suffered from years of neglect and lack of maintenance. The organization's founding was inspired by the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States, which highlighted the need to restore and preserve the country's historic landmarks. The foundation's early efforts were led by Lee Iacocca, who served as the organization's first chairman, and Pierre Schlumberger, who played a key role in securing funding and support from the French government and other international partners, including the European Union and the United Nations. The foundation has also worked with other organizations, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the World Monuments Fund, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

● Mission and Activities

The foundation's mission is to preserve and promote the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which are symbols of American freedom and democracy. The organization achieves this mission through a range of activities, including fundraising, education, and community outreach. The foundation has partnered with various institutions, such as the National Archives and Records Administration, the Library of Congress, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, to develop educational programs and exhibits that showcase the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The organization has also worked with other non-profit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to promote the values of freedom and opportunity that these landmarks represent.

● Preservation Efforts

The foundation has played a critical role in the preservation and restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The organization has raised millions of dollars to support the restoration of the Statue of Liberty's copper exterior, as well as the preservation of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The foundation has also worked with the National Park Service to develop and implement conservation plans for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which are designed to protect these landmarks from the effects of weathering and erosion. The organization has partnered with other institutions, such as the Getty Conservation Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, to develop and implement conservation strategies that balance the need to preserve these landmarks with the need to protect the surrounding environment.

● Fundraising and Donations

The foundation relies on donations and fundraising efforts to support its mission and activities. The organization has received support from a range of donors, including individual philanthropists, corporations, and foundations. The foundation has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to secure funding and support for its programs and initiatives. The organization has also developed a range of fundraising events and campaigns, including the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Gala, which has been attended by numerous notable individuals, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Nelson Mandela.

● Notable Projects and Initiatives

The foundation has undertaken a range of notable projects and initiatives over the years, including the restoration of the Statue of Liberty's torch, the development of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and the creation of the American Family Immigration History Center. The organization has also partnered with other institutions, such as the National Museum of American History, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Homeland Security, to develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The foundation has also worked with other organizations, such as the National Geographic Society, the History Channel, and the PBS, to develop and produce documentaries and other media programs that showcase the history and significance of these landmarks.

● Board of Trustees and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees, which includes a range of notable individuals, including Stephen Briganti, John Tisch, and Michael Bloomberg. The organization's leadership team is responsible for overseeing the foundation's programs and initiatives, as well as securing funding and support from donors and partners. The foundation has also partnered with other institutions, such as the Harvard University, the Yale University, and the Columbia University, to develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote the history and significance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The organization has also worked with other non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the United Way, to promote the values of freedom and opportunity that these landmarks represent.

Category:Non-profit organizations