DNA and the Orphan Train Mystery

A baby boy is left at the New York Foundling Asylum in 1896.At the age of 5, he is placed on an orphan train and rides to Missouri. As he grows up, he wonders who his mother was and how she could have abandoned him. Decades later, that boy's grandchildren have the same questions.
Through DNA testing, genealogy, and historical documents and newspapers, the boy's grandson, Greg Markway, finds the answers and reunites a family. Along the way, Greg discovers how historical events and culture shaped the direction of the family.
Greg Markway is a descendant of an orphan train rider. In 2017, he began researching his grandfather's origins through DNA testing and traditional genealogy. He was able to identify his grandfather's parents, and ultimately meet his biological relatives. Greg was a guest speaker at the 150th anniversary celebration of the New York Foundling Home, and at the 2022 National Orphan Train Complex celebration. The National Orphan Train Complex presented him with its President's Award for helping other orphan train descendants use DNA to identify their biological families. Greg is a psychologist and author. He has appeared on television, including the Today Show, and in print publications such as the New York Times and Washington Post. He is the co-author, with his wife, Barbara, also a psychologist, of three books. He is a frequent presenter on topics related to orphan train history.

[@mylist7118]

How many of these homeless children might be “Incubator Babies” shown at the World’s Fairs during this time?

[@user-ow8dt2xw1q]

Interesting topic but the sound is terrible

[@audreychaika5898]

My mother rode the Orphan Train from New York City to Minnesota in 1914. She was adopted by the Herman Frie family of Freeport, MN Audrey(Laing)Chaika, Apple Valley, MN

[@Deestroyer82]

Hi, does she remember where she was before that?

[@Gary-nl2rd]

Sound is terrible

[@ForbesLibrary]

There were technical difficulties with the equipment. Greg also gave a talk with the National Orphan Train complex. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIWnYaeNhMmUacUsi=8VCxJ8ECe1yqE_Ul

[@blazingstar9638]

@@ForbesLibrarythanks 😊 Still a fantastic presentation

[@nova-super-nova]

How many orphan boys went to WW One?😲

[@ForbesLibrary]

Agencies placing children did not check up on children after arrival or keep records after placement so data is incomplete on orphans. The National Orphan Train complex and Louisiana Orphan Train Museum are actively collecting stories from decedents and recording lives of orphan train riders. For research or genealogy questions, contact [e-mail]

[@blazingstar9638]

@@ForbesLibrarythanks for the detailed response & contact info for genealogy questions!