921. St. Joseph’s Orphanage

 St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Burlington, Vermont opened around 1850 and was in operation until 1974 where it closed down. Part of its existence it was operated by the Vermont Catholic Charities.

A recent investigation uncovered that abuse had taken place. Some survivors of the facility claims that children were murdered at the facility but the investigation found no reason to bring charges against anyone – perhaps too much time has passed and there would be none to charge because they have died in the years since the facility closed.

It is safe to say that it could not have been fun to be there as a child.

Sources:

• We Saw Nuns Kill Children: The Ghosts of St. Joseph’s Catholic Orphanage (Buzzfeed News)
• St. Joseph’s Orphanage investigation finds no crimes, but abuse occurred (Burlington Free Press)
• Former residents of St. Joseph’s Orphanage recount horrific abuse, want day in court (VT Digger)
• St. Joseph’s Orphanage abuse survivors want diocese to pay for therapy (WAX 3 News)