History Museum’s Brown Bag Lunch on “Orphan Train” Thursday

On Thursday, July 2 enjoy an afternoon learning about local history and discussing a New York Times Best Seller, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. As some are aware, the orphan trains brought children throughout the country to families who needed extra help. Some of these arrangements worked out better than others. The Sycamore True Republican includes a few reports of when the train came through our community.

For July, SHM is inviting people to read Orphan Train and come to the Brown Bag ready to discuss this popular book, and listen to how the orphan train fits into local history. According to Amazon.com:

“Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train is an unforgettable story of friendship and second chances that highlights a little-known but historically significant movement in America’s past—and it includes a special PS section for book clubs featuring insights, interviews, and more.”

Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse… As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.

Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life—answers that will ultimately free them both. Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.”

Copies of the book will be available at the Sycamore Public Library, and this activity will qualify for their adults summer reading program challenge activity. July’s Brown Bag Lunch will take place at the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St. in Sycamore at noon this Thursday, July 2nd, 2015. The event is free and open to all, donations to the museum are always welcome.