The Orphan Train Era (1853–1929)

Join the GSBC as we welcome Tom Riley for the first of two talks for 2020. Free and open to the public—all are welcome.

As many as 273,000 children transported from New York to the Midwest over a 75-year period (1854-1929) in the largest mass migration of children in American history. As many as one in four were Irish.

Tom Riley grew up in a broken home in New York and he and his siblings were raised in the foster care system—which spurred his interest in the Orphan Trains. During his professional career with the YMCA, health clubs, and the U.S. Post Office,he worked part-time as a writer and photographer while raising a family. Riley has written more than 2,800 articles and 10 books. He has also presented numerous lectures at libraries, colleges, and other organizations. Four of his ten books are about the Orphan Train Era (1853–1929). In addition, he has been a freelance writer for Rivertown Magazine since 2008.

As a crucial part of his efforts to raise awareness about the history and legacy of the Orphan Trains, Tom is creating an Online New York State Orphan Train Museum via his Patreon page. Patrons of this museum will receive online access to many of Tom’s books, articles, photos, and other memorabilia. In addition, one third of the proceeds will go towards helping Wounded Warriors, Feeding the Hungry and establishing an expanded and beautiful Online Orphan Train Museum. For more information about this museum or to become a patron, please check out the link below: https://www.patreon.com/orphantrainmuseum