Canada’s British Home Children

Local genealogist Laura Downes will present the little-known history of ‘Canada’s British Home Children’ at the Scranton Library on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 6:30 pm.

Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children were sent to Canada from the British Isles under the British Home Children (BHC) program. These children, ages 2 to 18, were taken from institutions such as orphanages and workhouses, and from families which experienced financial hardship. They were sent to Canada to work as indentured laborers on farms and in domestic service. Many of these children were subjected to harsh conditions and abuse, and their stories have been largely overlooked in Canadian history. Their descendants, many of whom live in the northeastern United States, are often unaware of their heritage. 

In her presentation, Laura Downes will share the stories of these children, including the story of her own great-grandmother. Laura will also discuss the ongoing efforts to recognize and commemorate the BHC legacy. Please sign up for this moving talk below.