American Experience The Orphan Trains

In 1853, 10,000 homeless children roamed New York City streets. Young minister Charles Loring Brace founded the Children... (more)

In 1853, 10,000 homeless children roamed New York City streets. Young minister Charles Loring Brace founded the Children's Aid Society, sending orphans west to begin new lives with farm families. Until 1929, Brace's Society and other charities sent more than 150,000 neglected children by train to 47 states. Most were treated kindly and formed loving bonds with new parents. Hear the remarkable stories of the ORPHAN TRAIN CHILDREN.. (less)