Michael Keene, local history author premieres his Virtual Show entitled, Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains on Monday February 1 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a Q&A. Those interested must register in advance through the library. Contact nlane@rcls.org for the confirmation email containing the YouTube link to the show.
The show will explore the end of the Civil War, when an estimated 30,000 homeless and orphaned children roamed the streets of New York City. In response to this crisis, the age of orphan asylums began, culminating in one of the most improbable and audacious episodes in American history. Called the Orphan Train Movement, it endeavored to save these children lost to the streets by heroes who fought for their liberation.