To the movement,
The National Orphan Train Complex tells a story that it seems history tried to forget. It isn’t taught in school history books, isn’t common knowledge, it’s not covered by many books or movies, and it doesn’t have a National Day of Awareness, but it should. A response to the inadequacies of the welfare system during a time when immigration and overcrowding in New York was at its greatest and precursor to modern day foster care and adoption processes, the Orphan Train Movement placed children in homes throughout the country. Between 1854 and 1929, an estimated 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, or homeless children were transported to rural communities across the country in hopes of providing a better life for them.
The mission of the National Orphan Train Complex is to collect, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about the orphan trains, and the children and agents who rode them. The museum’s collections, exhibitions, programming, and research will engage riders, researchers, and the general public and create an awareness of the Orphan Train Movement.
Orphan Train Statue Stroll
What began as a few bronze statues in Concordia, has quickly become an Orphan Train Statue Stroll attraction in itself. Statues have been carefully chosen to honor the movement and we now have over 40 statues in memory of actual Orphan Train Riders. More are in the process of being added and we anticipate many additional statues will be installed over the next few years. Plan some time during your visit to Concordia and take the Orphan Train Statue Stroll to learn the courageous stories of these Orphan Train Riders.
Statues are from the Randolf Rose Collection in New York.
An updated list of statues can be found on the National Orphan Train Complex website. Scroll through several photos of statues places around Concordia and Cloud County as well.
Scan QR code for an interactive map of Orphan Train Statues in Cloud County or follow the link in the button below.
Opening Hours
Mon: By Appointment Only (made at least 4 days in advance)
Tue – Fri: 10:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Sat: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sun: Closed
Admission:
Adults – $8
Military – $7
Children (4-12)- $4
Children 3 and under FREE
GROUP RATE (over 10 people) Arrangements must be made in advance, and paid for as group:
Adults – $7
Children – $3
Annual Celebration of Orphan Train Riders
Each year the National Orphan Train Complex invites descendants of Orphan Train Riders as well as all those interested in the Orphan Train Movement to celebrate the lives and stories of the Orphan Train Riders. The 3-day event consists of special speakers, tours, a banquet, and other activities. For more information and registration, visit the National Orphan Train website.