Dorothy Lund Nelson - The Orphan Train Rider Movement

Dorothy Lund Nelson gives an audience interactive presentation on the orphan train rider movement and its impact on Minnesota. She has researched the events in our American history, which took place from 1853-1929, concerning the Orphan Train Riders. Over 200,000 children went by train from New York City to be “placed out” with families in over 47 states. She shares the experiences of the “leftovers,” who were housed in Orphanages and Children’s Homes. Through the use of videos, slides, role-play, costume, and music, her presentation becomes a living experience for the participants during the hour event. Dorothy is the author of several books, including Burke’s Journeys, That Brady Fellow, and The Home We Shared. Nine presentations were held in the LARL region from October 23 to 25, 2012. Presentations were held at the Ada Library, Climax School, Crookston Library, Fertile Library, McIntosh Library, Moorhead Library, Cormorant LINK Site, Gonvick LINK Site, and Lake Park LINK Site