Few people today know much about the largest child migration in history. Between 1854 and 1929 over 250,000 orphans and unwanted children were taken out of New York City and given away at train stations across America. Children were sent to every state in the continental United States; the last train went to Sulphur Springs, Texas in 1929. This “placing out” system was originally organized by Methodist minister Charles Loring Brace and the Children’s Aid Society of New York. His mission was to rid the streets and overcrowded orphanages of homeless children and provide them with an opportunity to find new homes. Many of the children were not orphans but “surrendered” by parents too impoverished to keep them. The New York Foundling Hospital, a Catholic organization, also sent out children to be placed in Catholic homes. This 76 year experiment in child relocation is filled with the entire spectrum of human emotion and reveals a great deal about the successes and failures of the American Dream. The Magnolia Springs Public Library and the Magnolia Springs Community Association are partnering to bring "Riders on the Orphan Train", a national presentation, to Baldwin County.

The one-hour multi-media program combines live music and storytelling by Phil Lancaster with a video montage with archival photographs and interviews of survivors and is followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience. Although the program is about children, it is designed to engage audiences of all ages and to inform, inspire, and raise awareness about this little-known part of history. Seating is limited to 75 and tickets are required; tickets are a $10 donation and include sweet and savory light refreshments. Tickets are available at United Bank in Magnolia Springs, the Magnolia Springs Pharmacy, and the Magnolia Springs Public Library.

Local relatives and acquaintances of Orphan Train Riders are encouraged to attend and share their stories with the audience. If you have such a connection and would like to participate, please call the Magnolia Springs Public Library at 251-965-2305.

WHAT: Riders on the Orphan Train

WHERE: Magnolia Springs Community Hall; County Road 49 and Oak Street

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 14; 6 - 8 p.m.

COST: $10 donation

Tickets are available at United Bank in Magnolia Springs, Magnolia Springs Pharmacy and Magnolia Springs Public Library.

MORE INFO: Jan Pruitt:pruitt.jan@gmail.com; 251-550-8898