Howard Orphanage

Written By Dino DiPietro

Here’s a well-documented history of the Howard Orphanage in Northport, NY—originally part of a Black-run institution relocated from Brooklyn:

🏠 Origins & Relocation

  • Established in 1868 as the Brooklyn Howard Colored Orphan Asylum, this institution was founded and managed by African Americans to care for destitute Black children—an uncommon occurrence at the time

  • In 1911, the orphanage acquired a farm near Kings Park on Long Island, about which Northport is geographically close, and transferred 250 children from its Brooklyn location to the new rural campus

  • Renamed the Howard Orphanage and Industrial School, it focused on teaching children practical trades, farming, sewing, cooking, and other vocational skills

📚 Operations & Life on the Farm

  • The farm campus was structured to support both education and self-sufficiency. Records include:

    • Lists of orphans, admission/discharge dates, and employment indentures, indicating that children were “placed out” with families upon reaching age 16

    • Photographs (1898–1955) showing daily life: outdoor activities, classes, and farm labor

❄️ Closure & Aftermath

  • In January 1918, a severe winter froze the water pipes on the farm, leading to amputations of two children's feet

  • Financial strain followed; the mortgage was foreclosed, prompting closure of the farm

  • Remaining funds and ongoing donations were redirected to support Black students in Brooklyn high schools

  • In 1956, the institution was formally renamed the Howard Memorial Fund, marking the end of its orphanage era

🗂️ Archival Records

  • Administrative & financial documents dated 1903–1955 are preserved at the NYPL's Schomburg Center, including board minutes, fundraising campaigns, farm property records, children’s admissions, and staff correspondence

  • photograph collection (1898–1955) is also held in the Schomburg Photographs and Prints Division, offering visual insight into life at the orphanage

📍 Northport Connection

Although the precise Kings Park location isn’t in Northport proper, the orphanage farm was situated on Long Island near Northport, integral to the area’s history during its operational years.

Summary of Key Dates:

1868 Founded in Brooklyn

1911 Moved to Kings Park farm

1918 Closed due to winter damage

1956 Transitioned to Howard Memorial Fund

Dino DiPietro