National Orphan Train Complex

National Orphan Train Complex We are the National Orphan Train Complex - the center for all things orphan train related!

Between 1854 - 1929 an estimated 250,000 orphaned, homeless and abandoned children from New York City and large East Coast cities were placed out in families in rural communities across the United States. The Orphan Train Movement was the beginning of the modern day foster care system. There are over 2 million descendants of orphan train riders today and 1 in 25 Americans has a connection to a rid

er! The National Orphan Train Complex is dedicated to preserving the history of the Orphan Trains, and spreading awareness through our depot museum and research center. Monday: By Appointment
Tuesday-Friday: 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm

If you have a group of 10 or more, please call ahead.

Construction is underway to repair the foundation of the historic Union Pacific Depot! Contractor Shawn Cyphers is up fo...
06/22/2026

Construction is underway to repair the foundation of the historic Union Pacific Depot! Contractor Shawn Cyphers is up for the challenge.

Celebration 2026 was awesome! Today we had a tribute to Mary Ellen Johnson. Two descendants of Ethel Barney Staley told...
06/13/2026

Celebration 2026 was awesome! Today we had a tribute to Mary Ellen Johnson. Two descendants of Ethel Barney Staley told us Ethel's story. We had our awards and Banquet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall. Jana Strecker was honored with a lifetime volunteer award! Thank you to all who attended! Hope to see you all next June!

What a weekend! Teddy Roosevelt last night and a surprise visit from Anna Laura Hill's great niece!
06/13/2026

What a weekend! Teddy Roosevelt last night and a surprise visit from Anna Laura Hill's great niece!

Day 2 of Celebration is in the books. We unveiled statue number 56 after an exciting scavenger hunt, learned about reno...
06/13/2026

Day 2 of Celebration is in the books. We unveiled statue number 56 after an exciting scavenger hunt, learned about renowned Orphan Train Riders, heard descendants tell their stories and then spent a delightful evening with President Teddy Roosevelt!

Celebration is underway! We unveiled a new plaque in the courtyard and a new window covering in the Education Station!
06/11/2026

Celebration is underway! We unveiled a new plaque in the courtyard and a new window covering in the Education Station!

06/10/2026

Due to circumstances beyond our control, open hours on Saturday, June 13, will be noon to 4 pm only. Thank you.

Bid now stands at $400! Sold!!Bid in comments or pm. Will monitor once daily. The National Orphan Train Complex board of...
06/02/2026

Bid now stands at $400! Sold!!
Bid in comments or pm. Will monitor once daily. The National Orphan Train Complex board of directors is offering for auction "The Orphan Train Quilt" pieced by Sr. Betty Suther and Sr. Jean Ann Walton, Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, Kansas. The lap quilt measures 68 inches by 68 inches. The houses in the center represent new homes for Orphan Train Riders. The sashing in the blocks around the center square suggests railroad tracks. Bidding begins immediately and ends precisely at 11:30 am cst on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Quilt can be shipped if local pickup is not an option for the winning bidder. Proceeds will go toward the Mary Ellen Johnson memorial.

This will be a great event during our Annual Celebration of Orphan Train Riders and to celebrate the birthday of the USA...
05/20/2026

This will be a great event during our Annual Celebration of Orphan Train Riders and to celebrate the birthday of the USA!

05/18/2026

We have extended the deadline to register to attend the Annual Celebration June 11-13. Form is on our website under Celebration Tab. Final deadline is May 23. Call to pay wirh a card!

05/07/2026

Address

300 Washington Street
Concordia, KS
66901

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 12pm
1pm - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
1pm - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm
1pm - 4pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
1pm - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Website

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