For more than 150 years, The Foundling has touched the lives of young people and families. Hear from a few of our adoptees and descendants below:
“My grandfather rode the Orphan Train in 1901… I’ve always wanted to know his history.” Read Greg’s story.
“I grew up in an area where a number of our neighbors were also from The Foundling.” Read Robert’s story.
“My mother has a story about how she fell in love the first time she saw me as an infant.” Read Nicole’s story.
Interested in sharing your Foundling story? Contact us here.
On October 11, 1869, three Sisters of Charity opened The New York Foundling as a home for abandoned infants. From that night on, The Foundling began its legacy as an organization that believed in the power and potential of its neighbors, and in providing the support and opportunities for young people to succeed. The organization quickly expanded, providing pediatric medical care, support for working mothers, and more. The Sisters, believing that children thrive with loving families, became adoption pioneers – finding safe and permanent homes for children throughout the New York area. Between 1875-1919, The Foundling participated in the Orphan Train movement, which resettled hundreds of children with families across the country.
In the 20th century, The Foundling expanded to meet the demands of a changing New York City. In 1929, a nursing school was established to train generations of pediatric nurses and new behavioral health and community-based programs were developed to expand our reach and stay on the forefront of child welfare.
| Watch a short overview of The Foundling’s history |
Learn about The Foundling’s legacy of adoption |
The Foundling: The Story of The New York Foundling, written by award-winning New York Times editor Martin Gottlieb with contemporary photography by renowned photographer Claire Yaffa, provides an engrossing historical overview of our extraordinary organization.
Originally published to a limited run in 2001, the book has now been reprinted and updated for our 150th anniversary! Click here to read an excerpt.
The Foundling has changed the lives of tens of thousands of our neighbors. As a 501©3 nonprofit, we cannot do the important work we do without our generous supporters. Here’s how you can get involved.
Gifts from people like you make a difference. Making a donation today shows your support for the 30,000 children, adults, and families who partner with us every year to create transformational change in their own lives.
Donate here
By including The Foundling in your estate plans, you can ensure that The Foundling’s work continues for years to come, leaving a legacy through your support of The Foundling’s vital programs.
Learn more here
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