Orphan Train book discussion


Thursday Feb 9, 2017 - Thursday Feb 9, 2017


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The Elk Horn Public Library is presenting a three-part series on the theme of the Orphan Train, January 26, February 2, and 9 at 6:30 pm in partnership with the Museum of Danish America and its Genealogy Center.

The January 26 program will be the viewing and discussion of the IPTV documentary "West by Orphan Train" at the Elk Horn Public Library.
It seems incomprehensible that there was a time in America’s not-so-distant past when nearly a quarter of a million children from East Coast orphanages were loaded on trains and sent west, where they were presented 'for the picking.' "West by Orphan Train" will tell the story of these children, who were taken from a sometimes-rough existence to an unfamiliar rural setting during an era that lasted from 1854 to 1929. As some of the last of the still-living orphan train riders like to remind us, it was a different era — one that can’t be judged without understanding what lives were like then. "West by Orphan Train," honored with a regional Emmy in 2015, offers that understanding.

The highlight of the series will be February 2, when professional storyteller Pippa White will perform “The Story of the Orphan Train” at the Museum of Danish America.
White, from Lincoln, Nebraska, has her own acting company, One’s Company. She presents the story of homeless children, fending for themselves on the streets of New York City. The children were given a chance for a new life in America’s heartland by riding the orphan train. In the presentation the orphans who remember the experience come to life and share a forgotten part of history.

The final presentation, on February 9, will be a discussion of the book "Orphan Train" at the Genealogy Center.
• Two million copies in print
• Published in 35 countries
• 90 weeks and counting on the New York Times best seller list
• Five weeks at #1 on the NYT list, over a year in the top five
• Over 100 weeks on the USA Today Top 100 list
• Chosen as a 'One Book, One Read' by over 50 communities and campuses

All programs begin at 6:30 pm, and light refreshments will be served.