New York Orphans and Orphanages

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, New York had many orphans, particularly in New York City. "Orphan Train" riders were sent from New York City to western families for adoption. The largest groups came from the New York Foundling Hospital, and from the Children's Aid Society.

First Orphan train was in 1854.Between 1854 and 1919 it is estimated that 105,000 children rode the Orphan Train.

The Victor Remer Historical Archives of the Children's Aid Society

105 East 22nd Street

New York, NY 10010

Phone: 1-212-949=4800

Site:

Guide to the Records of the Children's Aid Society (1853-1947)

The guide contains materials pertaining to emigration programs: Orphan Train, foster care and adoption programs operating between 1853-1947, annual reports to 2006, and The Children's Aid Society lodging houses, industrial schools, convalescent homes, health centers and farm schools.

The Children's Aid Society was founded 9 January 1853 by twelve people. Chalres Loring Brace was chosen to lead the organization.

The following books abstract several censuses taken by the federal and state government at these institutions.


 * Inskeep, Carolee R. The Children's Aid Society of New York: An Index to the Federal, State, and Local Census Records of Its Lodging Houses (1855–1925). Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield, 1996. (Family History Library book .) Includes 1855, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890 (police census), 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915, 1920, and 1925 censuses.
 * Inskeep, Carolee R. The New York Foundling Hospital: An Index to Its Federal, State and Local Census Records (1870–1925). Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield, 1995. (Family History Library book .) Includes 1870, 1880, 1890 (police census), 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915, 1920, and 1925 censuses. Alphabetical list of children, sisters, and workers.
 * O'Connor, Stephen. Orphan Trains. New your, New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 2001WorldCat

Web Sites

 * Orphan Trains
 * Orphan Trains of Kansas Index of children who rode the orphan trains to Kansas
 * New York Foundling Hospital
 * Children's Aid Society
 * National Orphan Train Complex