Extra! Extra!  THE ORPHAN TRAINS and Newsboys of New York

By Renee Wendinger    Book signing and Program

Monday, September 12th 7-8 PM Museum Meeting Room

Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York, is a collection of stories of children who faced nearly insurmountable odds.  From agonizing letters written by desperate mothers to news stories of the latest train or of newsboys looking out for leach other, the humanity of individuals caught up in the sweep of history is unmistakable. 

As the Children’s Aid Society and the New York Foundling Hospital cared for increasing numbers of infants, Charles Loring Brace saw opportunities for the children.  He knew that families in the western United States could take these children in, offering a wholesome atmosphere unheard of in the city.  And so ran the Orphan Trains from New York to points west, over the course of decades carrying more than 200,000 children to their new lives in rural America and the as far as the west coast. 

The McLeod County Genealogy Society, as apart of their regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, and the Historical Society invite you to meet author Renee Wendinger as she shares her book and research on Orphan Trains.  It’s also a great time to learn more about familyhistory research and how you can get started.  The Genealogy Society is always looking for new members and program ideas, so we hope you will join us.     

We would love to share your story!  If your family has an orphan train rider in its history, please take the time to post your story and help us to preserve this part of McLeod County History!