Marjorie Peterson, an orphan train rider and Ann Zemke’s grandmother, kept a diary for over 40 years and then wrote her autobiography, but it remained private until her death in 1991. She wrote about her life at an orphanage, her ride on the orphan train, being selected by a family and her tumultuous life with them.  

Ann Zemke tells Marjorie’s heartwarming story using the very special quilt that she made in her grandmother’s memory, and she has captivated audiences of all types across the United States with this fascinating story and the remarkable quilt it inspired. (60 minutes)

Ann Zemke tells Marjorie’s heartwarming story using the very special quilt that she made in her grandmother’s memory, and she has captivated audiences of all types across the United States with this fascinating story and the remarkable quilt it inspired. (60 minutes)

Learn about the history of the orphan trains and the significant part which they played in a unique time in American history, including the emergence of the adoption and the foster care programs in our country.

Listen to Ann Zemke tell her grandmother’s poignant story as she reads excerpts from Marjorie’s autobiography and references the blocks of a special commemorative quilt she made. 

“When we arrived at Bertha, it was cold and lots of snow on the ground.  Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lind and Mrs. Peter Lind met us at the train; they had a team and sleigh.  We stopped at the department store and I got new overshoes and mittens and leggings and a hood.  Then I went to my new home.  That night I felt lonesome so I sat in Dad’s lap and cried, till I went to sleep.  They named me Marjorie.  I learned to like my new home.”

Enjoy humorous and personal stories about Marjorie, and then learn about recognition she received for her untiring volunteer spirit and community service work.

“Thanks for sharing the story of your grandma and the quilt with us.  Just living our daily lives, we tend to forget those who went before in such different (and difficult) circumstances and at such a different time of the nation.  Life is good.”  J. Johnson

Ann Zemke signs her book, They Named Me Marjorie, which she dedicated to her grandmother, after every performance.