Kentucky Female Orphan School

Stark Hall. From Kentucky Progress Magazine, September 1929 Edition.

The Kentucky Female Orphan School was founded in 1847. It was established in the small town of Midway, Kentucky. This school was a pioneer in female education. Many contemporary “finishing schools” focused on social graces. But, this institution was built on the belief that a woman should be educated to be self-reliant.

In the mid-19th century, the legal and social status of women in Kentucky was precarious. For young girls left without parents, the future often held little more than domestic servitude or poverty. Recognizing this systemic gap, Dr. John Augustus Williams and the Christian Benevolent Society sought a radical alternative. They aimed to create an institution focused on the intellectual and moral elevation of orphaned girls.

The School’s Mission

  • Empowerment through Education: Providing a rigorous academic curriculum that rivaled male institutions.
  • Social Reform: Offering free tuition and board to those who had no other means of support. This initiative was funded by the generous contributions of the Kentucky Disciples of Christ.
I. M. Starks Memorial Bridge. From Kentucky Progress Magazine, September 1929 Edition.
On Walk to Village. From Kentucky Progress Magazine, September 1929 Edition.
On the Campus. From Kentucky Progress Magazine, September 1929 Edition.

Overcoming Adversity

The school’s history is marked by survival. During the Civil War and the Great Depression, the institution stood strong. In 1888, a devastating fire leveled the campus. The community’s commitment was so strong that they rebuilt the school within a year. It also endured multiple shifts in the American educational landscape. It remained a steadfast beacon for young women.

Evolution into Midway University

As the 20th century progressed, the school adapted to the changing needs of society. It evolved from a secondary school into a junior college in 1944, eventually becoming the four-year Midway College. In 2016, the institution made the historic move to go fully co-educational, rebranding as Midway University.

Today, while the “Orphan School” name is a relic of the past, its core philosophy remains. It started as a bold experiment in social welfare. Now it is a thriving university. This transformation is a powerful testament. It shows how providing a path ahead can help those society has overlooked.

Contributed by Shawn Logan | contact@kyhi.org

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