The Orphan Trains

The Orphan Trains – to be presented by Geneseo historian, Angie Snook on October 15, 2025 at 2 pm

In 1853, the Children’s Aid Society initiated a program to transport abandoned and orphaned children from crowded cities on the East Cost to foster homes in the Midwest. By 1929, an estimated 200,000 children—from infants to teens—were transported to new homes.

Angie will share her research, stories and photographs about the Orphan Trains, a topic she refers to as “one of America’s best kept secrets.” And of special interest, some local area and Geneseo families were involved in this program.

Hear stories of these children, the families who took them in, and descendants of the children living today. Some of the stories will warm your heart. Others will break it.

Be sure to get to the library early, as Angie is a very popular speaker. Presented in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council.

You may also like the following events from Geneseo Public Library District:

• Next month, 9th October, 02:00 pm, Card Making Class in Geneseo

Also check out other Arts events in Geneseo.