Norman Hull Libri

Focuses on the flying boat operations of Aquila Airways between Southampton and Madeira between 1949 and 1958 and includes photographs and items of ephemera.

Set against the backdrop of a year-long vacation in Europe, the story follows 12-year-old Joyce, who hails from a poor family. While in southern France, she befriends Jules, a local goatherd. Their friendship blossoms as they explore and learn about various cultural celebrations, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, offering a heartwarming look at the joys of childhood and the richness of different traditions.

Set in the 1850s, the narrative explores the plight of over 5,000 orphaned and abandoned children in New York City and New Jersey. To address this crisis, a program known as the orphan trains was established, transporting these children across the United States for adoption. Agents would coordinate with local organizations to find prospective families. Upon arrival in towns, children were displayed at city halls or churches for families to select, sometimes even being matched with homes prior to departure.