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.

The National Orphan Train Complex board of directors is offering for auction "The Orphan Train Quilt" pieced by Sr. Bett...
06/02/2026

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
Our Traveling Exhibit is on its way to the next destination in St. Louis, MO. A gentle reminder to double check times at...
03/31/2026

Our Traveling Exhibit is on its way to the next destination in St. Louis, MO. A gentle reminder to double check times at the venue. NOTC is not involved in setting hours.

We have had wonderful participation by local businesses in support of our annual celebration!
03/29/2026

We have had wonderful participation by local businesses in support of our annual celebration!

03/24/2026

Last week was busy with spring break visitors!
Abby left us a note. "Beautiful place! This type of place tells the history of the Orphan Train orphans really good and is done nicely."
And Rachel left this comment, "A beautiful tribute to an amazing piece of American history. So many lives changed and I am glad to learn about it. Thank you for keeping this alive."

Today we unveiled statue #54 honoring Adelaide Rossau/Adeline Trowbridge in Clyde, KS, her hometown. The statue was unv...
03/07/2026

Today we unveiled statue #54 honoring Adelaide Rossau/Adeline Trowbridge in Clyde, KS, her hometown. The statue was unveiled by her nephew Steve Caron and sponsored by the Clyde Beautification Committee. It was followed by a birthday party celebrating Adeline's 118th birthday!

We are so honored to be voted the #4 best history museum in the USA!
02/27/2026

We are so honored to be voted the #4 best history museum in the USA!

Now showing! Be sure to confirm hours with the venue if you are traveling to view the exhibit! A gentle reminder that ti...
02/27/2026

Now showing! Be sure to confirm hours with the venue if you are traveling to view the exhibit! A gentle reminder that times can change at the venue. NOTC is not involved in setting hours for venues.

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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