Seeking Orphan Train Descendants

On Monday, November 30, 2015, the South Bend Area Genealogical Society's monthly program will feature Educator and Genealogist Barbara Cook of Niles who will speak on the "The Orphan Trains: Saga of the resettlement of homeless or destitute children from the East Coast to foster or adoptive families in the Midwest."

The Orphan Train project, initiated in New York City and Baltimore during the 18th and early 19th century, located homeless waifs with willing families in our area. Indiana was one of the largest recipients of "homeless children."Very little is known about the history of the children placed or their descendants.

We are attempting to identify and invite as many descendants to this event in order to recognize and honor the journey of their ancestors. In addition, we hope to document the beginnings of a data base which would be offered on the South Bend Area Genealogical Society's website (www.sbags.org).

If You're an Orphan Train Descendant:
The SBAGS's meeting is November 30 at 7:00pm at the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St., South Bend.

If you can't make the meeting, please contact them at local.history@sjcpl.org or (574) 282-4621.