From New York to the Heartland: The Orphan Train Experience in Illinois

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. We will then examine Illinois’ unique relationship with this movement. Finally, we will take an in-depth look at the lives of a handful of orphan train riders who arrived in Illinois in 1884 – their pasts, their journey to Illinois, and their lives after their journey west. Audience members will be invited to share stories of orphan train riders in their families if they would like.