CONCORDIA, Kan. – The National Orphan Train Complex (NOTC) in Concordia is set to host its 22nd annual Celebration of Orphan Train Riders this weekend, drawing descendants and history enthusiasts to Cloud County for three days of remembrance, education, and special events.
The celebration, running from Thursday, June 12, to Saturday, June 14, will feature a diverse program including guest speakers, presentations, awards, and the unveiling of a new statue.
Events kick off on Thursday, June 12, with the unveiling and dedication of new window coverings and plaques in the NOTC courtyard at 4:15 PM. An open house will follow at the Depot museum until 7:30 PM, inviting visitors to explore the complex.
Friday, June 13, will be packed with insightful presentations at Cloud County Community College. The lineup includes:
- 9:45 AM: Greg Markway, an Orphan Train Rider descendant and representative of the New York Foundling Hospital.
- 11:00 AM: Lori Halfhide, Orphan Train Rider Head Researcher.
- 1:30 PM: Don and Martha Pauley on the topic of tracking down Orphan Train Riders.
- 3:00 PM: Descendants sharing personal stories of Orphan Train Riders.
- 4:30 PM: A presentation by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). The day concludes with a 7:00 PM showing of the movie “Cabrini” at the Majestic.
The celebration culminates on Saturday, June 14, with keynote speakers Susan Christin and Betsy Rogers discussing “DNA Angels.” Awards will be presented at 11:30 AM, followed by a banquet lunch at noon. At 1:30 PM, attendees will gather in Jamestown for the unveiling of a new Orphan Train Rider statue at the Jamestown Community Building, marking the conclusion of the festivities.
While two ticketed events required advance registration (which has now closed), the public is welcome to attend all other events that do not require a ticket. A complete schedule of events is available on the NOTC website.
The National Orphan Train Complex’s Museum and Research Center is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Orphan Train Movement, which transported thousands of children from the East Coast to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929. The NOTC’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about the orphan trains, their young riders, and the agents involved, fostering pride among descendants and engaging historians and the public in this nationally significant chapter of cultural and social history.
