The statue of liberty-ellis island foundation is a NON-profit that collaborates with the national park service in one of america's most successful public-private partnerships. In 1982, president ronald reagan asked LEE iacocca to raise private funds for the historic restoration of the statue of liberty and ellis island. The foundation has also created the ellis island national museum of immigration, developed the free 65-million-record ellis island passenger database, constructed the statue of liberty museum, maintained museum exhibits, and funded over 200 additional projects on the islands. The foundation's mission is:to restore and preserve the statue of liberty national monument, which includes ellis island; custody and control of records and other artifacts of historic interest related to the statue of liberty and the millions of immigrants who entered the united states through the PORT of new YORK and ellis island as well as ALL immigration to the united (see continuation)