National Orphan Train Complex Named One of the Museums Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Kansas

The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia has been selected as one of the museums everyone should visit at least once in Kansas.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated museums in Kansas on Tripadvisor.  Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. 

The National Orphan Train Complex, ranked No. 27 on the list, is located at 300 Washington Street in Concordia.  The Museum and Research Center are dedicated to the preservation of the stories and artifacts of those who were part of the Orphan Train Movement from 1854 to 1929.

The National Orphan Train Complex has welcomed a new curator, Heather Bigwood.  Originally from North Dakota, Heather completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Kansas State University last summer.  Heather has had a lifelong interest in history and her wide range of experiences will greatly benefit operations at the National Orphan Train Complex.

The mission of the National Orphan Train Complex is to collect, preserve, interpret, and disseminate knowledge about the orphan trains, and the children and agents who rode them.  The museum's collections, exhibitions, programming, and research will instill a sense of pride for Riders and Descendants; engage historians and researchers, heritage visitors, and the general public; and further promote understanding of this nationally significant chapter of cultural and social history.

Bigwood replaces Kaily Carson who relocated to Wisconsin to attend graduate school.