Rafael Guber, a New York Jewish genealogist, wanted to know more about his family, who, along with millions of other Americans, came from Europe through New York Harbor's Ellis Island. He had heard stories about their experiences and what coming to America meant to them. For many ancestors, especially those who did not speak English, coming to America was both a dream come true and a truly harrowing experience. Bringing with them only what they could carry and just enough money to allow entry into the country, they typically felt overwhelmed and unsure of themselves. To add to their distress, once on Ellis Island, they were faced with medical examinations and official interrogations that could result in being sent back to their native countries.

Rafael hoped to better understand his ancestors' adventures and share his knowledge with others whose families had had similar experiences. He began by locating ship's passenger arrival records for his ancestors, finding photographs of the ships on which they crossed the ocean, and documenting their stories. Then, by taking the ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan to Ellis Island, Rafael actually traced part of their voyage. This growing desire to walk in his ancestor's footsteps then inspired him to pursue a project that would recreate the immigrant experience at Ellis Island.