VINTON — This month the Benton County Historical Society (BCHS) is presenting an admission-free special program, with help from the National Orphan Train Complex, that shares a “journey through history” and shares the story of the 250,000 children who took a life-changing ride on the Orphan Train in the years 1854-1929.
“The Orphan Train Movement (1854-1929) relocated approximately 250,000 children from crowded Eastern cities to rural homes in the Midwest, aiming to provide them with better lives and labor opportunities. The movement began began in response to the growing number of homeless and impoverished children in urban areas, particularly in New York City. Founded by Charles Loring Brace and the Children’s Aid Society in 1853, the program aimed to
address the plight of these children, many of whom were the offspring of immigrants or
impoverished families. Brace believed that city life was detrimental to these children and sought to place them in rural homes where they could be adopted and taught good morals,” BCHS said.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., long-time genealogists Don and Martha Pauly will present a program on Orphan Train riders at the Vinton Train Depot.
“Don has deep roots in Benton County from some of its earliest settlers. He and Martha will talk about some of the conditions that led to the Orphan Train movement. They will share the story of the Armstrong sisters who were separated as young children, and reunited years later in Benton County,” BCHS said.
Open Dates and Times for the Orphan Train exhibit at the Vinton Train Depot will include: Monday, Oct. 27 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23, and 30, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 18 and 25, and Nov. 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 19, and 26, and Nov. 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.