Port of Dreams: BallinStadt-Auswandererwelt Hamburg (Hamburg-City of Emigrants)

Port of Dreams: BallinStadt-Auswandererwelt Hamburg (Hamburg-City of Emigrants) Review

This new museum and family research center tells the fascinating story of German emigration to the United States and elsewhere and invites visitors to research their own ancestors' migration history. The museum is located on a peninsula where in the late 19th century the HAPAG shipping line—named for the HAPAG General Director of the time, Albert Ballin—began construction of a departure "city" ("Stadt" in German). Completed in 1907, the city served as a holding and quarantine area for emigrants leaving Europe; 5 million Germans made their way to the New World from BallinStadt between 1850 and 1934. The museum includes the historic remains of BallinStadt and provides a thrilling look at living conditions in the holding facility as it was 100 years ago. A permanent exhibit focuses on the lives of emigrants, their decision to leave Germany, their often arduous journeys, and their lives in America. As compelling as the exhibits are, the main draw is the research booths, where you can search the complete passenger lists of all ships that left the harbor. Research assistants are available to help locate and track your ancestors. From St. Pauli, the museum can be reached by U-bahn or boat at Landungsbrücke No. 10.