December 28, 2007 - Libraries Host Lectures on Orphan Trains Jan. 14 & 31

The story of the orphan trains and their riders from 1856-1930 is the story of homeless children in New York and the beginning of the American social system. Historian Patti Kirk of the Family History and Genealogical Research Group will present a program on the Orphan Trains at the Lakewood Park Branch Library on Monday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. and at the Fort Pierce Branch Library on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m.

The Orphan Train movement occurred in the late 19th, early 20th Century, when approximately 200,000 orphans from New York were placed out West by railroad to rural towns and farm communities. In some states, children found homes, in others; they served as farm and domestic labor. The estimated 30,000 children ranged in age from about 6 to 18 and were homeless or neglected, living in New York City's streets and slums. Many were not orphans but were abandoned or were illegitimate or destitute.

In 1853, the founder of the New York Children's Aid Society, Charles Loring Brace, was determined to give children gainful work, education, and good families by placing them with families in the West through use of the Orphan Trains. In 1923, the Children's Aid Society created a formalized foster care department, which included permanent adoption services. It instituted its current policy of placing foster children with families locally.

Come join Patti Kirk as she recounts this fascinating story of homeless children in New York and their journey to survive. These events are free and open to the public.  Registration is not required.

The Lakewood Park Library is located at 7605 Santa Barbara Drive, in northern St. Lucie County.  For more information, call Carol Shroyer at (772) 462-6870.

The Fort Pierce Library is located at 101 Melody Lane. For more information, call Vicki Cooke at (772) 462-2787.