Which One-Step Ellis Island Search Form Should I Use?

We acknowledge the work of  Dr. Stephen Morse the originator of the One-Step Search Tools,
as well as his collaborators,


As you can see, this project consists of several search forms.  They provide overlapping functionality, so let me try to briefly explain the differences between them.

1. Ellis Island Database 1892-1924 -- gold form

Searches all New York passengers from 1892 to 1924 using enhanced search options.  Uses the database at ellisisland.org but has its own search form and search engine which provides the enhanced features.

2. Ellis Island Database 1892-1957 -- white form

Searches all New York passengers from 1892 to 1957 using basic search options.  Uses the database and search engine at ellisisland.org, but has its own search form which provides features not found at the ellisisland.org website
3. All New York Arrivals 1820-1957
Searches all New York passengers from 1820 to 1957.  Includes the Ellis Island years as well as many other years.  Uses the database and search engine at ancestry.com, but has its own search form which provides features not found at the ancestry.com website.
When searching the Ellis Island years (1892 to 1924), the gold form should always be the form of choice.  The white form should be used when you need to extend that range up to 1957. And the All New York Arrivals form should be used when you need to extand the range down to 1820.

All three forms cover the basic years, 1892 to 1924. Although the gold form is the preferred form to use in that range, you might want to try one of the others as well. Each provides an independent name index as well as its own search engine that gives yet another perspective on finding elusive passengers.
 

-- Steve Morse