In today’s History newsletter: How to complain like a (Renaissance-era) Venetian. Plus, the murky motivations
behind the founding of Liberia, and when evolution was
put on trial.

But first: A look inside Ellis Island during its heyday.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BETTMAN/GETTY IMAGES

The famous “Gateway to America” opened more than 130 years ago on New Year’s Day. What was it like for the more than 12 million immigrants who traveled through its doors?

More stories:
— California’s ‘Ellis Island’ was designed to keep Asian immigrants out
— How waves of immigration have created culinary magic in Tampa

ILLUSTRATION VIA PETER NEWARK HISTORICAL PICTURES, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

GRANGER/AURIMAGES

In 1822, freed Black Americans began resettling in a colony on the west coast of Africa. But was this new land a place where they could truly thrive or was this colony doomed to live in violence?

BEFORE YOU GO: Need to complain? Here’s how Renaissance-era Venetians did it.

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and produced by Alisher Egamov. Catch our latest Photo of the Week every Sunday—and sign up here to get our future adventures in your inbox.