In this episode of Wide Awake America, host Nadine Smith welcomes Christine Kenneally, an award-winning journalist and author of the powerful book “Ghosts of the Orphanage.” Kenneally’s groundbreaking work has unveiled the harrowing stories of abuse, neglect, and even murder within orphanages, focusing on the notorious St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Burlington, Vermont. Her BuzzFeed story on this topic garnered over 6 million views in six months, won numerous awards, and paved the way for her deeply investigative book.
Christine Kenneally discusses her decade-long journey uncovering these stories, which began in Australia and led her to explore similar institutions worldwide. She sheds light on the systemic abuse within orphanages, the conspiracy of silence surrounding these institutions, and the psychological and physical torture endured by countless children. Nadine and Christine delve into the specific challenges of exposing such deeply entrenched abuses, the role of religiosity, and the isolation that perpetuated these horrors.
Christine also highlights the impact of these revelations on the survivors, the changes in the legal landscape regarding child abuse cases, and the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in preventing such atrocities from happening again.
Additional Information:
- Follow Christine Kenneally on her website Christine Kenneally for updates and more information about her work.
- “Ghosts of the Orphanage” is available online and in bookstores.
- Engage with Christine Kenneally on social media, though she mentions being less active on Twitter/X recently.
Join us for a compelling and necessary conversation about the darkest corners of institutional abuse and the relentless pursuit of justice for its survivors. Christine Kenneally’s work is a testament to the power of investigative journalism in bringing these hidden stories to light and advocating for systemic change.
