Between 1880 and 1920, millions of immigrants came to America from all over the world. They braved the Atlantic ocean for many days to weeks, with just a few dollars in their pockets, in search of a better life for their kids and grandkids.

Today as many as 40% of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

The Sons and Daughters of Ellis Island provides a platform for descendants to unite across the nation, fostering community, learning, and civic engagement.

By establishing state and local chapters, we create opportunities for building friendships, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the betterment of our communities.

Fred Villa, founder of The Sons and Daughters of Ellis Island (SADEI), was inspired to form an organization after speaking at a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) meeting and watching his wife go through the process of becoming a DAR member herself. While SADEI members were not necessarily in America early enough for its Revolution, they like to say “we got here as fast as we could.” Fred can trace seven of his eight great grandparents coming to America from Southern Italy through Ellis Island between 1897 and 1913.