Louisiana Orphan Train Museum

08/15/2026

The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is dedicated to the thousands of children who were placed out on the orphan trains from The New York Foundling Orphanage. They traveled across America and many came to Louisiana. Visit the museum to view artifacts and hear the stories of how these children integrated into our local communities .

Remembering Sister Mary Irene FitzGibbon.
On this day, August 14th, we honor the incredible legacy of Sister Mary Irene FitzGibbon, the visionary founder of The New York Foundling, who passed away on this date.
In post-Civil War New York City, thousands of abandoned infants faced a grim reality on the streets. Armed with deep compassion, immense grit, and just five dollars, Sister Irene and the Sisters of Charity set out to change that. On an October evening in 1869, she placed a simple white wicker cradle in the vestibule of a Greenwich Village brownstone. She left the door unlocked so desperate mothers could safely leave their babies anonymously, with no questions asked.
That very first night, a baby girl named Sarah was saved. Over her lifetime, Sister Irene’s radical mercy saved more than 27,000 children. She pioneered America's earliest organized foster care systems, established nurseries for working mothers, and fundamentally rewrote how a city cares for its most vulnerable families.
Though she left us in the late 19th century, her open-door legacy lives on. The New York Foundling continues to serve thousands of children and families today.
Rest in peace, Sister Irene. Your courage continues to guide us. 🕊️✨

08/06/2026

We would like to thank Sinella Aghasi, Executive Director, Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion and staff for our recent community outreach in Baton Rouge, LA.
Picture 1 L to R:
James Douget, LA Orphan Train Museum Board Member
Sinella Aghasi, Executive Director, Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion
Martha Aubert , LA Orphan Train Museum Board President

Picture 2 L to R:
James Douget, LA Orphan Train Museum Board Member(standing)
Carla Deville, LA Orphan Train Museum Board Member(sitting)
Paula Lafleur, LA Orphan Train Museum Volunteer(sitting)
Martha Aubert , LA Orphan Train Museum Board President(standing)

07/22/2026

https://americanpress.com/2026/07/19/the-orphan-trains-the-movement-that-brought-hundreds-of-new-york-orphans-to-louisiana-communities/

Between 1854 and 1929, an estimated 350,000 orphaned, abandoned or homeless children were transported to rural communities across America — including Louisiana — in search of a better life. At […]

07/16/2026

from our recent Community Outreach in Lake Charles

07/16/2026

Many thanks to Joyce Sonnier, Library Associate, and Madison Miller, Branch Manager Carnegie Memorial Library & SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library for our recent Community Outreach in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Pictured L to R :
James Douget LA Orphan Train Museum
Joyce Sonnier
Madison Miller
Martha Aubert LA Orphan Train Museum
Carla Deville LA Orphan Train Museum

06/29/2026

from the recent program in Ruston

06/29/2026

Thank you Jeremy Bolom and the Lincoln Parish Library for our recent community outreach “Louisiana Orphan Trains- The Untold Stories” held recently in Ruston, LA.
We would also like to thank Chirstopher Kennedy, author of LA Tech’s Joe Aillet, for his presentation on the legendary football coach and Louisiana orphan train rider Joe Aillet.

Pictured L to R:
James Douget , LA Orphan Train Museum, Board Member
Martha Aubert, LA Orphan Train Museum, Board Member
Christopher Kennedy, Author LA Tech’s Joe Aillet
Jeremy Bolom, Director Lincoln Parish Library

Picture 2:
Donna Colvin, Friends of The Lincoln Parish Library President
Christopher Kennedy

06/24/2026

Upcoming Community Education Events

July 15, 2026 @10:00AM
Lake Charles, LA
Calcasieu Parish Public Library
SWLA Genealogical and Historic Library
411 Pujo St.
Lake Charles, LA

August 4, 2026 @ 5:30PM
Baton Rouge, LA
Old Governor’s Mansion
502 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA

October 10, 2026- 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Program begins 12:30PM
“Annual Gathering Open House Event”
Louisiana Orphan Train Museum
223 S. Academy St.
Opelousas, LA

05/21/2026

From Marksville event

05/21/2026

Many thanks to Marksville Main Branch Library for our recent Community Outreach sponsored by: Allons Parler Francais-Avoyelles, held in Marksville, LA.

Noted picture with audience members arms raised represents descendants of Louisiana Orphan Train Riders who were in attendance to the program.