Expert: Tom Bernardin - 11/25/2005

Question
Mr. Bernardin,

I am a reporter from a Japanese national daily newspaper with a daily circulation of 4 million copies, Mainichi Newspapers. I am looking for some interviewees for our feature story about the Statue of Liberty as a world heritage.

I wonder if you can talk about the history of Statue of Liberty -- especially before and after 9-11. If you can, is it possible for you to be avaliable for our interview?

And if you know some people who have personal experiences in connection with both the Statue of Liberty and the 9-11, would you introduce us those people?

Due to our deadline, I would truly appreciate your answer by Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, if possible.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am truly looking forward to your answers.

Sincerely,

Hiroshi Takahashi
New York Bureau Chief
The Mainichi Newspapers  

Answer
Hello,

I would be happy to talk with you.  I am a collector of Statue of Liberty memorabilia...and I worked there and Ellis Island in 1978, 1979 an 1980.  I am the author and publisher of the Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook.  And I am a licensed NYC tour guide specializing in tours of Ellis Island.

Please check out my website at www.EllisIslandTours.com

My phone number is 212-229-0202.  Would you like to do this on the phone or in person?  I live at 14th St. and 7th Avenue in Manhattan.

Tom Bernardin