The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island: Uncovering the True Story of the First Immigrant to Arrive at America's Isle of Hope

by Megan Smolenyak

On January 1, 1892, Annie Moore of Ireland tripped into the pages of history and became the poster child of immigration by being the first to arrive at Ellis Island. She's since been immortalized on stage and in music, museums, books, and of course, pub names. Statues of her adorn Ellis Island where she stands as a symbol of the American Dream and at the Cobh Heritage Centre in Cork, Ireland where she represents millions who have emigrated over the centuries and scattered their gifts around the globe.

And yet, we got her story completely wrong.

Megan Smolenyak is the determined sleuth who discovered this case of historical identity theft and devoted years to figuring out how it happened, finding the true Annie, and unveiling what her life was really like. Follow along as the author parks you on her shoulder and unravels the mystery of Ellis Island's first.

History buffs, genealogists, and mystery enthusiasts will enjoy the ride, as will those interested in immigration and tales of the long overlooked.

Genres: History, Ireland, Biography, Nonfiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

from back of the book:
Megan Smolenyak is an incurable genealogist who loves solving mysteries, making unexpected discoveries, and pushing the boundaries of conventional genealogy. A popular writer, speaker, and TV guest, she does all she can to get the g-word out there and inspire others in their quest for roots.

She lives in Florida with her husband.

Reviews

[Bill O'Driscoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended to me by an excited librarian who wondered if I had any relationship to Annie Moore. Probably not, but an O'Driscoll does own a house where she lived in Ireland, and several of the Street names are familiar. Annie Moore was the first immigramnt to come through Ellis Island.

[Jill Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy exemplar for anyone undertaking family history research or writing a family history this work is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and comprehend.

Megan patiently and precisely describes her research process as she seeks to uncover the "Real Annie". Throughout the book Megan , a professional genealogist, demonstrates the patience persistence and attention to detail that are hallmarks of a great genealogist.

A gifted storyteller Megan has produced a cracking yarn that encourages the reader to read on and celebrate the memory of an ordinary young woman seeking a better life.

As an Australian with several Irish Immigrants in my tree I was able to draw parallels with my ancestors who made the perilous journey downunder in the 1800s.

This is a must reader anyone interested in genealogy , the Irish Diaspora or their immigrant ancestors.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Megan Smolenyak explains the journey she took in researching the identity of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island. What happened to Annie after her arrival? After following false leads and red herrings, she uncovers the truth. In addition, this book also provides something of a blueprint for other researchers to follow in their own quest to discover their immigrant ancestors.

[Beth Sweeney-sakoutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day! Could not put it down, following Annie Moore’s trip from Ireland to New York was amazing.
So informative and detailed with how she came, her family and living relatives got to lear and honor her!
It is making me get back to looking in to my family’s journey
From Ireland to New York as well.

[Dan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written story of the author's quest to find what became of Annie Moore of Ireland made famous in the song "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears." It was very well written and kept me interested and engaged. At times it was hard to put it down. For those of my generation and older this book, in the words of the legendary Paul Harvey, gives us "the rest of the story." Highly recommend.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific!

This was a terrific read! So much so that it even gave me ideas and clues for my own research. The author is so honest about the ups and downs of searching it made me realize my own research isn't as bad as I thought! This is an amazingly written book!

[Lisa Gorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of discovering the correct Annie Moore plus learning more about her family in Ireland and the United States. Great genealogical research and reporting.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid research but Cumbersome writing