Information provided by the Thornton Historical Society
THORNTON, Ill. (February 19, 2024) – The Village of Thornton Historical Society will be presenting a program entitled: “The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains” a 30-minute video by author Michael T. Keene, on Monday, February 26, 7 p.m., at their museum located at 114 N. Hunter Street in Thornton.
The late 1800s saw mass immigration to the United States. Due to sickness and poverty, many of these immigrants left behind orphaned children, over 30,000 alone in New York City. These orphans, dubbed “Street Rats” by the police, lived in alleyways, under stairs, and in piles of rubbish. Many were run over or died of starvation and exposure. Learn how New York City solved this problem by putting the children on trains that went out West.
Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Refreshments will be served after the program. We hope to see you there. Please email any questions to: [email protected]
