Here is a historical documentary account of the first foster-parent program in the United States. This fascinating film tells the little-known story of homeless children from eastern cities who were resettled on farms in the Midwest of the United States. We meet adults whose lives were shaped by their journey. While many have painful memories, they have all grown into healthy, productive citizens. Several surviving orphans talk about their memories from that uncertain time when the nation was just developing its own public policies and values.Spanning the years 1850-1930, when orphans usually ran wild in city streets, the social program placed thousands of stranded young children into farming communities via "Orphan Trains."

The children were dressed up and scrubbed and loaded onto trains. Upon arrival, they were lined-up for inspection. Those who were not chosen were sent on to the next community, and the next, and so on.

Charles Loring Brace, founder of the children's Aid Society, conceived the idea of sending abandoned children into foster care to farm families, as an alternative to institutionalization. Thus started a program that lasted for some eighty years.

The orphan trains and their lineups seem barbaric by today's standards, but the alternative of the almshouse was even harsher. The last orphan trains were sent into the heartland of the country during the depression. (47 minutes)

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AWARDS

Emmy Award for ORIGINAL MUSIC
Nominated for an Emmy Award for WRITING
American Film and Video Festival NY Film and Video Expo, Silver Award

CREDITS

Produced and Directed by Wendy Hearn
Associate Produced by Sharon Posner & Jill Petzall
Written by Jill Petzall
Music by Leenie Mendelsohn

PRESS

"an interesting video about a seldom considered segment of American history..." Landers Film & Video Review

"Informative and poignant saga..." Booklist