FROM NEW YORK TO THE HEARTLAND: THE ORPHAN TRAIN EXPERIENCE

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a remarkable and heart-wrenching chapter of American history unfolded as thousands of children embarked on a journey from the crowded streets of New York City to new lives in rural communities across the nation. This was the Orphan Train Movement, a unique initiative that left a lasting impact on the children themselves, as well as on the communities that welcomed them. The movement would last for 75 years and impact an estimated 250,000 children. We will explore the beginnings of this movement, the organizations involved and the journeys taken by the children, and then take an in-depth look at the lives of a handful of orphan train riders.

Presented by Jamie Poorman, Head Librarian at Marshall Public Library. Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, an MSLS from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University.

She is a dedicated genealogist and local historian and serves on the board of the Clark County Historical Society. Personally, she and her family are dedicated to a small homestead of raising lots of veggies, goats, St. Bernards and one sassy Chincoteague pony.

Program is included with the cost of regular admission or free for members of the the History Center and OLLI.

You may also like the following events from Vigo County History Center:

• Next month, 16th September, 05:30 pm, Time Travelers - Deming Park in Terre Haute