Riders on the Orphan Train

An amazing multi-media program that tells the story of the 250,000 orphans and unwanted children who were placed on trains in New York between 1854 and 1929 and sent all over the United States to be given away, many in Texas

[@janemarinelli7843]

My great Aunt and her husband took in two children from the Orphan Train in North Dakota.

[@user-ek5pq1hz8z]

My mother is Jan Konkel who speaks at around the 1:11 mark on this video. Her father, my grandfather, was on the orphan train and she did extensive research trying to find out what she could about his background. Sadly, she never was able to gain any knowledge. She did eventually do a DNA test and found out he was Ashkenazi Jew which is quite a coincidence if you watch this video as she mentions another women who was raised Catholic, as my grandfather and mother were, and found out she was Jewish. It's such a sad story though some children were able to find better lives than if they'd been stranded in NYC without homes or care.

[@bashfuldame]

My great grandfather was one of the train riders. I only found out about the orphan train after researching my father’s family. It has bugged me ever since that this was a part of American history that I never learned in school.

[@tinaschlindwein9267]

Really a orphan song ? You both sound ?

[@sandan2358]

The Orphan Train Museum in Concordia, KS is fascinating.

[@kayonsellsavon]

This is so sad;; I'm from nj close to NYC'''I know that if I were born during that time;;my Mother & family would have allowed me to go on that train for lost children;;;because I was sent to fostercare shelter's etc;; trown alot around I know how it feels;;but only because of my mother recieving a fat check & benefits from the system was I only kept around to stay for neglect & abuse;;;;this story touched my heart it also showed love from srtanger's is beautiful''''than at time's your own blood;;LORD have mercy''''on the unfit mother's & families'''USA had some great people in it like those who saved these children'''

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

Great songs/ lyrics Phil! I finally got around to watching this.

[@dalet9207]

With abortion legal now won’t be so many orphans…..right.

[@tinaschlindwein9267]

Awwwwwwwwww!!! No money n be glad there was a train for Orphans to ride around n look for familys .they got fed ,clothed,n free ride .