Crossing the Atlantic: The Killeens and British Home Children

The 19th century saw many groups cross the Atlantic Ocean to find a new home, sometimes by choice, often by necessity or force. This weekend, we focus on two of these groups: Irish immigrants, represented by the Killeens, and the British Home Children.

The Killeens came from Ireland in the 1820s and had to build their own road to their settlement in Hanwell. The farmland was rocky, and life was difficult for the young family. Visit the Killeen cabin, built by Timothy, to learn about their family history and Irish immigration.

The British Home Children had an entirely different experience. Approximately 100,000 children were sent to Canada, often forcibly, in the late 1800s and early 1900s under the belief they would have a better life. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. Mark British Home Children Day at Kings Landing on September 28.

The 19th century saw many groups cross the Atlantic Ocean to find a new home, sometimes by choice, often by necessity or force. This weekend, we focus on two of these groups: Irish immigrants, represented by the Killeens, and the British Home Children.

The Killeens came from Ireland in the 1820s and had to build their own road to their settlement in Hanwell. The farmland was rocky, and life was difficult for the young family. Visit the Killeen cabin, built by Timothy, to learn about their family history and Irish immigration.

The British Home Children had an entirely different experience. Approximately 100,000 children were sent to Canada, often forcibly, in the late 1800s and early 1900s under the belief they would have a better life. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. Mark British Home Children Day at Kings Landing on September 28.