As the author of two books on America's Orphan Trains, the granddaughter of an Orphan Train Rider, and a public speaker on the subject at both schools and community organizations, I have started this blog to give an estimated 250,000 children a chance to claim their place back in America's history books. Thankfully, I am not alone. The National Orphan Train Complex
http://www.orphantraindepot.com/ , which opened in 2007 in Concordia Kansas, is a small museum dedicated to the history and preservation of this movement. There are several excellent books on the subject and a handful of speakers available around the country to share the story.
"Has anyone ever heard of the Orphan Trains?" It's a question that I often use to begin a presentation on the subject. The answer is almost always, "No." After hearing about the history of the Orphan Trains, I remember one woman in her 70's commenting, "I can't believe that happened in
my country!" People are astounded that they have never heard of this 75 year period of migration of youth from East coast cities - mainly NYC - to farming communities in the Midwest in search of homes. How could this be? Could something that went on for all those years, touching that many children really fall from our consciousness? Yes.
In the coming weeks and months I will share with you not only the history of the Orphan Trains, but also the various efforts that are being made on behalf of all those children - of whom it is estimated less than 200 still survive. I will also blog about my upcoming book tour to Salina, Kansas in April, 2010. Sponsored by the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission, I will be speaking at 15+ schools and community gatherings as well as a fundraiser for the museum in Concordia. Stay tuned......
Donna Aviles
www.orphantrainbook.com
