Orphan Train Riders Reunion

On September 23, 2017 the Dowagiac Area History Museum hosted a Riders Reunion as part of its Starting a New Life: Dowagiac’s Orphan Train Story project. The keynote speaker for the event was Shaley George, Curator of the National Orphan Train Complex in Kansas. The day also included the collection of memories from descendants of Orphan Train Riders and one surprise– a researcher and descendant found the names of many of the riders on the first Orphan Train that arrived in Dowagiac on October 1, 1854. He shared the names with us that day– a 160+ year old mystery had been solved! Below is the full presentation by Ms. George. Please note that the volume is low during her presentation and you will have to turn up the audio.