Send us a text

In this milestone 180th episode of Greetings From the Garden State, host Mike Ham takes you deep into one of New Jersey’s most fascinating hidden gems: the South Side of Ellis Island. Joined by Jim Dessicino, Director at Save Ellis Island, they explore the forgotten history, powerful stories, and untold legacy of this rarely seen side of one of America's most iconic landmarks.

While most people associate Ellis Island with New York and the famed Immigration Museum, Jim breaks down the reality: over 80% of Ellis Island’s acreage — including the 29 hospital buildings on Island 3 — technically belongs to New Jersey. Together, Mike and Jim tour the contagious disease hospital, end-of-life care wards, and discuss the massive public health effort that shaped the immigrant experience for millions arriving between 1892 and 1954.

👉 Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Supreme Court ruling that determined New Jersey’s ownership of most of Ellis Island
• The 29 hospital buildings that treated infectious diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and trachoma
• The incredible sacrifices made by nurses, doctors, and staff who lived and worked on the island
• Personal immigrant stories — including Jim’s own Italian-American heritage and how his family name changed after arriving
• The shocking reality that some immigrants saw their first shower or tasted their first banana here
• The challenges Save Ellis Island faces in restoring and preserving this national treasure
• How Ellis Island connects to today’s conversations on immigration, public health, and preserving history

🎨 Special Spotlight: Save Ellis Island’s Art Workshops
Jim also shares exciting new programming bringing world-class artists, like New Jersey-based painter Mario Robinson, to offer workshops on-site — helping people experience Ellis Island in a whole new way.

🚢 Why This Episode Matters
Ellis Island isn’t just a New York landmark — it's a critical part of New Jersey’s history and America’s immigration story. With only 30,000 annual visitors compared to millions on the North Side, the South Side remains one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets. This episode sheds light on the ongoing mission to preserve its legacy for future generations.

🎧 Perfect for Listeners Who Love:

• New Jersey history
• Hidden gems and untold stories
• Immigration history & genealogy
• Public health history
• Preservation, restoration, and cultural heritage

POWERED BY THE NEW JERSEY LOTTERY!

CHECK OUT MAYOARTS.ORG

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 👉 Save Ellis Island: Learn, Donate, Visit or Volunteer
• 👉 Book a Tour of Ellis Island’s South Side
• 👉 Greetings From The Garden State - All Episodes

Support the show