Announcements | The Orphan Train

The Orphan Train, presented by Geneseo historian Angie Snook on October 15, 2025 at 2 p.m., recounts the Children’s Aid Society’s program transporting abandoned and orphaned children from East Coast cities to Midwest foster homes from 1853 to 1929. Angie shares her research, stories, and photographs about this “best-kept secret” of America, highlighting local families involved.

Hear stories of these children, the families who took them in, and descendants of the children living today. Some of the stories will warm your heart. Others will break it.

Be sure to get to the library early, as Angie is a very popular speaker. Presented in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council.

Geneseo historian Angie Snook