DATE: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

TIME: 5 to 9 PM

LOCATION: The Smithville Inn – 1 N. New York Rd Galloway, NJ 08205

PRESENTATION: Building the Contagious Disease Hospital at Ellis Island: Hospital design, materials, and methods from 1900 – 1915

PRESENTERS: Jennifer Arnoldi, AIA, Senior Associate at Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC, Jean Zimmerman, Save Ellis Island

DESCRIPTION: The expansion of Ellis Island with new hospital facilities circa 1900 brought advanced methods in medical care as well as construction techniques and materials. This lecture will unfold the planning and uses of the hospital buildings on the NJ side of the island until they were abandoned in 1954. It will also explore a brief history of iron and concrete construction, demonstrating the progress of theoretical and applied sciences in building engineering. The Kahn system of reinforced hollow tile construction was widely used for floor/ ceiling systems throughout Ellis Island’s contagious ward buildings, bringing benefits of fireproof, prefabricated and sanitary construction materials. A current stabilization project in the Staff House will take a closer look at this framing system; a second project will examine ground improvement through grouting to stabilize another building.

CREDITS: 2 HSWs

COST: AIA Members: $30, Associates & Students: FREE, Guests: $40* (cash, check or credit taken at door.) (3.3% surcharge fee for credit)

RSVP: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

RSVP to Phil Giambri at 609-425-5499 or pg.aiasj@gmail.com with your attendance.

• Membership determined by the membership roster as of the date of this meeting.
• *IA South Jersey is registered with the AIA Continuing Education System AIA/CES.

This program is for 2 HSWs which will be reported directly to the AIA/CES for AIA members.

Many of our ancestors came through Ellis Island and some even stayed at the NJ end of the island at the hospital complex before they entered into America.

At this joint meeting, take this opportunity to see this rare presentation by Jennifer Arnoldi, AIA of Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC who is in charge of the stabilization of the south side of the island. In addition, we will be having Jean Zimmerman, educator and tour guide of the Save Ellis Island organization to provide us the history of the abandoned hospital complex.

Join us for the first joint meeting in 3 years. RSVP to Phil Giambri regardless of what section you belong to by Sept 13th. All are welcome!