Between 1873 and 1948, around 6000 destitute children were sent from the Birmingham Childrens Emigration Homes to live with farmers in the wilds of Canada. In preparation for the epic journey, the children spent up to a year at the Homes, often referred to as the Middlemore Homes, where they were provided with a basic eduction and taught skills that would make them useful workers. This gave them the opportunity to prosper, saving them from a life of grime, crime and poverty. But the future lives of the children varied enormously with tales of happiness and success, as well as tales of great sadness.
This exhibition, at the Birmingham & Midland Institute, tells the stories of some of these children. There will be talks by experts from Canada, and dramatic performances.
Midland Ancestors is assisting Balsall Heath History Society with this event. For more details visit https://thelostchildren.uk/
