The Statue of Liberty at 125 Years

American Bicentennial
In 1972, President Nixon dedicated the American Museum of Immigration, opened in the base of the Statue of Liberty, though shortcomings in funding its endowment closed the museum by 1991, when it was replaced by the current museum on Ellis Island. A new lighting system was installed prior to the American Bicentennial in 1976, when New York Harbor hosted Operation Sail which featured ships from around the world and a fireworks display around the statue.

• Sorry, Tourists: Statue of Liberty Will Close for a Year