Orphan Train Heritage Society of America

The Orphan Train Heritage Society of America (OTHSA) is an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Orphan Trains, which operated from 1854 to 1929. During this period, thousands of orphaned or neglected children from eastern cities were transported by train to rural areas across the Midwest and West, where they were placed with foster families or institutions. The society aims to educate the public about this unique chapter in American social history, honor the experiences of the children involved, and promote awareness of their legacy through research, exhibits, and community programs.