DOWAGIAC — A large scale city history project has been recognized by a national organization.

Recently, Dowagiac’s Orphan Train program and mural, which was completed in 2017, received the Charles Loring Brace award from the National Orphan Train Complex, based out of Concordia, Kansas. The award is meant to recognize entities that shine a light on the history of the Orphan Train.

The Orphan Train was a program active from the mid-1800s to early 1900s intended to relocate parentless children living on the streets to new families across the country. Dowagiac was the first stop on the train.

“If Dowagiac hadn’t been that first stop, the lives of all those children and their descendants would have been different,” said Shaley George, curator of the National Orphan Train Complex. “So, I and my colleagues were blown away by the yearlong program that Dowagiac held with so many programs and that beautiful mural. I’m so honored to have been part of that and to recognize them.”

For those who worked on the project, including Dowagiac Area History Museum Director Steve Arseneau, mural artist Ruth Andrews and Bobbie Jo Hartline, the award was a surprise.

“I went to my mailbox last week and opened it up and found this award,” Arseneau said. “I had no idea it was coming.”

Though the award was a surprise, Orphan Train program organizers said they were honored to receive the award, adding that they have seen a positive impact on the community from the program and the mural, which is located downtown.

“I was surprised when I first started this project how much this meant to people,” Andrews said. “It is nice to make art that means something.”

Hartlined echoed Andrews’ sentiment.

“When we did this, we didn’t realize how far the ripples of it would go,” she added. “It has meant so much to so many people, so when we are recognized for this work that we loved doing, I thought it was very thoughtful.”

It is not just the National Orphan Train Complex that has recognized Dowagiac contributions to keeping the history of the Orphan Train alive. The community has recognized the city’s efforts as well.

Sue Wilder, a volunteer at the Dowagiac Area History Museum, and her family were just some of many who volunteered to help work on the mural. She said she was delighted that Dowagiac won the Charles Loring Brace award.

“I think the mural adds awareness to our history. It adds character,” she said. “I do think it’s a great thing for our community.”

Going forward, the organizers of the Orphan Train program said they hope the award and the mural will help keep the history of the Orphan Train in Dowagiac alive for decades to come.

“It’s amazing that Dowagiac had such a big role in this history,” Hartline said. “I hope the mural remains a permanent doorstop for people into the history of the Orphan Train. I hope when they pass by it or read the plaque on the mural that it invites them into the story and welcomes them in.”