I spent Thursday and Friday of last week researching. In fact, I’m headed back to the library to look through old newspapers this morning, too. I came looking for specifics about the Huntingdon Home for Orphan and Friendless Children, a private “orphanage” that began in the late 1800s but did so much more than take in orphaned children. Really they were a ministry to poor and neglected children whether their parents had died or not.
At first it seemed as if there would be few details to find. Then Kelly, head of the Huntingdon County Historical Society, decided to call her predecessor, Nancy Shedd, who has done extensive research herself into the orphan home.
Nancy graciously met me and as we talked through what was known, she suddenly thought of a place she hadn’t searched for documents–the Juniata College archives. She made a phone call. Later that afternoon, the archivist emailed us both with a list of items in her possession. Nancy and I made our way to see them on Friday. And what a treasure trove we found! I came away with most of what I wanted to find out, and with a new friend as well. It is always fun to spend time with others who share your passion for research, especially when it is on the same topic!
And the really cool thing about Nancy? Her great-grandmother was the first matron of the home after the founder, David Emmert, relinquished that role!
I love how God connects me with just the right people when I venture into these adventures of research!
Hello, Anne…I’ve been desparately searching the internet for information about my grandmother and learned she, and who I assume her brother, were in the Home for Orphan & Friendless Children in Huntingdon. I cannot find a thing other than the Huntingdon History Research Network site. Thanks to even more searching via Google, I found your website and this post. Thank you, I’ve finally found somewhere to look, the Juniata College archives! I live in New Jersey, but hopefully, someday I’ll get to make an eventful trip such as yours. Thank you for blogging and God bless!