National Ellis Island Family History Day is observed annually on April 17 to commemorate the significance of Ellis Island as a gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. This day marks the anniversary of the busiest day in the history of the immigration station, which processed a record 11,747 people in one day. The event encourages individuals and families to explore their ancestry, with many governors across the U.S. declaring the day to promote genealogical research. Celebrations can include visiting the American Family Immigration History Center in New York City, which houses around 65 million records, or searching online for Ellis Island family history records. Additionally, people are encouraged to read stories from the Oral History Project, which documents the experiences of immigrants who sought a better life in America.