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SUMMARY:WMGS September Monthly Meeting: Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them
DESCRIPTION:Do you have children in your family lines who seem to have vanished or who turn up in unexpected places\, such as in the Midwest or western part of our country? \nThe orphan train movement (1854-1929) relocated over 200\,000 children to foster homes across the country\, in hopes of providing them with better lives. Historians estimate that only about one-third of the children placed on orphan trains had no living parents. Who were these children and why were they sent away from their families? \nTo kick off our 2026-2027 membership year\, genealogist Karen Fortin will present “Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them.” \nThe story of the orphan trains\, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands\, has become a part of American popular culture. Karen’s presentation  explores the facts behind the legends\, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880\, and provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-monthly-meeting-orphan-trains-and-the-children-who-rode-them/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Karen-Fortin.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T203000
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SUMMARY:WMGS September SIG: Explore Your Western Mass Roots
DESCRIPTION:If you missed our first Western Mass Ancestors Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting in May\, another opportunity is just around the corner. Our next session will take place on Thursday\, September 17 at 7 p.m. \nAt our first session\, members enjoyed short presentations on local companies and uncovered Quabbin-area ancestors\, as well as a demonstration of how AI prompts can\nsupport genealogical research. We also tackled two brick wall challenges submitted by\nmembers with roots in Chester\, Massachusetts. The conversation was lively\, informative\, and could easily have continued well into the night. \nAs we prepare for our September session\, we’re inviting contributions from members.  This gives you time to gather materials\, organize your thoughts\, and decide how you’d like to participate. \nWe welcome: \n\nShort presentations (5–15 minutes). Discuss your Western Mass ancestor\, family line\, or research topic. Please highlight the resources you used — databases\, archives\, websites\, books\, maps\, or tools.\nBrick wall challenges. Have a research puzzle you can’t crack? Share a brief summary of the ancestor or problem\, along with any clues or documents you’ve\ncollected\, and we’ll add your challenge to the agenda.\nHelpful resources and tools. If you’ve discovered a useful website\, updated database\, research technique\, or practical tip\, we’d love for you to share it with\nthe group.\n\nThe deadline for submissions is Wednesday\, September 9. To offer a presentation\, submit a brick wall challenge\, share a recent breakthrough\, or highlight a resource or\ntechnique\, please email us at westmassgen@gmail.com. \nIf you’re unsure about format\, we can provide a suggested outline and are happy to help with creating PowerPoint slides. Submissions will be added to the agenda in the\norder received\, so if you have something you’d like discussed\, now is the time.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-sig-explore-your-western-mass-roots/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Special Interest Group (SIG)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
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