On October 3, 1865, the Home For Destitute Children was founded in Burlington. Vermonters were concerned about children who needed help because of the Civil War.

Vermont had the highest per capita losses from the Civil War, leaving many children orphans or with single parents struggling to survive.

The facility remained The Home For Destitute Children until 1932 when the name was changed to The Children’s Home. The name had changed, the mission had not.

Located on Pine Street, the home is now known as the Baird Center and is part of The Howard Center for Human Services.

Historic image courtesy Vermont Historical Society, from Round About Burlington, Vermont vy Charles S. Lord, circa 1900 by Vermont Illustrating Company