History Speaker Series: Michigan Poor Farms Were a Place of Last Resort

The Albion Historical Society, in partnership with the Albion District Library, is very excited to welcome Adam Oster of the Library of Michigan as their November History Speakers Series guest lecturer. Before the development of modern social welfare programs and psychiatric care facilities, county poor farms were often the option of last resort for community members facing extreme poverty as well as for the elderly and people struggling with disabilities and mental illness. Calhoun County’s Poor Farm (or House) was located for many years in Marshall. This presentation will discuss the history of the poor farm system in Michigan and place the Calhoun County facility in this historical context. Adam Oster is the Community Engagement Librarian for the Library of Michigan. Adam graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History, a minor in Political Science, and a Certification in Secondary Education. He also holds a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University. Adam’s interests include genealogy and local history research.