Missing but Never Forgotten

In the late 19th century, 4-year-old Charley Ross's abduction from the streets of Philadelphia became the first nationwide missing children case. Recently reopened after 32 years was the case of Etan Patz.  Although both Etan and Charley were never found, they helped to create new methods and procedures regarding missing children.

That's History explores the issue of missing children cases and how they led to social change. The Historical Society’s collections include more than 21 million items. Please visit the library at 1300 Locust Street or search our collections online.

Picture of Washington Lane where Charley Ross was abducted

Poster offering a reward for the recovery of Charley Ross and the arrest and conviction of his abductors