Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them

Program Type:

History & Genealogy

Age Group:

Teens, Adults, Seniors
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Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them – The story of the Orphan Trains, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands, has become a part of American popular culture. This presentation explores the facts behind the legends, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880, and provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders.

Karen A. Fortin has degrees in History and Library and Information Science and a passion for research. She worked in a public library in Florida for 30 years before switching to genealogical lecturing in 2016. She is a member of various genealogical societies and loves to help people explore their family history so that they can better understand their ancestors and the world in which they lived.

Cohosted with the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum.

Our programs are made possible in part by operating support grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State - additionally through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks and Recreation; and by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.