Flatiron District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The New York Foundling Hospital
One of the First in the United States
On October 11, 1869, with the blessing of their religious leaders and a gift of $5.00, two Sisters of Charity, Sr. Mary Irene Fitzgibbon and Sr. Teresa Vincent McCrystal, opened one of the first foundling asylums in the United States on East 12th Street. The Foundling was the Sisters’ answer to the thousands of orphaned and abandoned infants left on the streets of New York City.
The courage of the enterprise caught the conscience of civic leaders and responsible citizenry and the Foundling soon became a beacon of hope to unwed mothers with infants and to pregnant homeless girls. Despite untold struggles, the work flourished. Thousands of mothers and children found support. Thousands of other abandoned children found life through their early care, though their adoptions and placements across the United states, contributing vitality and growth to the nation.
As the Foundling celebrates its 125th anniversary in its fifth home, misery abides with only a change of face. Encouraged by a vibrant tradition, the Foundling continues to respond to the needs of families and communities who contend with the violence, disease, drugs and homelessness of this era. In 1994, Sister Irene’s vision and courage extend annually to 10,000 children, youth and adults who are serviced by 44 different health, education and social service programs.
In Commemoration of the 125th Anniversary
October 11, 1994
Erected 1994 by The New York Foundling Hospital.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1869.
Location. 40° 44.345′ N, 73° 59.722′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Flatiron District. Marker is at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and West 17th Street on Sixth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 590 Sixth Avenue, New York NY 10011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 17 West 16th Street / Margaret Sanger Clinic (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Levi Parsons Morton (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Dubinsky (approx. 0.2 miles away); 133 Fifth Avenue (approx. ¼ mile away); Stuart Davis (approx. ¼ mile away); Jim Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of the First PFLAG meeting (approx. ¼ mile away); 48 West 12th Street (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . .
1. New York Foundling. Wikipedia article. (Submitted on March 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The New York Foundling Hospital. National Orphan Train Complex website. (Submitted on March 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Sister Mary Irene FitzGibbons. Wikipedia biography. (Submitted on March 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 12, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings in context. • Can you help?