A new, month-long exhibition at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration explores the immigrant roots of one of the nation’s favorite foods.
Seven billion hot dogs, or 818 dogs a second — that’s how many Americans consume during peak grilling season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
“Hot Out of the Melting Pot: A History of the Hot Dog in America” showcases the immigrant origin stories of five hot dog companies, including three with New York City roots: Sabrett, Hebrew National and Nathan’s Famous.
Visitors can also order all the hot dogs they read about at the Ellis Island Cafe.
Organized by the National Park Service and Evelyn Hill, a company providing visitor services at the Statue of Liberty since 1931, the free exhibit just outside the cafe runs throughout July. First boats heading to the island leave the mainland at 8:30 a.m. and the museum closes at 6:30 p.m.
Here are some of the historical images on display, to whet your appetite:
