Celebrating the immigrant roots of the American hot dog

Hot dogs from vendors Hebrew National, Nathan's, Sabrett, Vienna Beef and Walter's rest on a platter before the opening of an exhibit at Ellis Island highlighting the immigrant history behind the hot dog in New York. Photos: Reuters/Lucas Jackson

When Americans think of summer, a few standbys come to mind: Baseball games, fireworks shows and hot dogs.

Like many American families, the humble hot dog can trace its roots to New York's Ellis Island, where an exhibit called "Hot Out of the Melting Pot: A History of the Hot Dog in America" is set to run through July at the National Museum of Immigration.