Watch the video premier of Abandoned: The Untold Story of the Orphan Trains, by Michael Keene, based on his book of the same title. Michael Keene, local history author and frequent guest speaker at many public libraries, senior centers, and historical societies had produced an unique online program on the Orphan Train Movement that brought homeless NYC children to work on farms out West.

By the end of the Civil War, an estimated 30,000 homeless  and orphaned children roamed the streets of New York City. In response to this crisis, the age of orphan asylums began, culminating in one of the most improbable and audacious episodes in American history. Called the Orphan Train Movement, it endeavored to save these children lost to the streets by heroes who fought for their liberation.

Registration required for YouTube premier link. The video can be access during the live premier event and afterwards online. Please email Renee, at programcoordinator@redhooklibrary.org for link.