[MontanaDream]

Here's a new thought. I'm sure this isn't a new angle, but its worth a try. Has anyone gone to the public library to do a search for birth announcments in the newpaper? If I were to call the library, would there be someone that could look it up for me? I am not in Richmond, not even in VA so I would need someone to be able to do the legwork. Also, is there any records of the maternity homes, residences and births anywhere? Or birth records in the hospital? I'm pretty sure all that is under lock and key due to Hippa and the adoption laws. But the library and microfish might give a clue. Any thoughts?

[blankenb4]

Were you adopted through an agency?

[MontanaDream]

Yes, I was adopted thru Children's Home Society of Virginia, out of Richmond. My first home was in Luray, VA.

[kathy79]

You can call the local newspaper and library and see if they have records to the year of your birth. Both may tell you how to search on line (newspaper) or search for you.

My sister worked at the hospital and was in charge of contacting the newspaper with birth announcements. Since my bson was to be relinquished she chose not to put the birth in the paper.

I also contacted the hospital and requested all my medical records from a specific date to end date. They sent me everything and it matched with my bson's birth certificate. I would think as an adoptee that you could request you medical records from the time of birth to the day you were discharged from the hospital.

Hope this helps.

[MontanaDream]

Kathy,
Thanks bunches! I'll do that. Someone else posted the name of the hospital that Seton house residence used, now Regional Medical. Maybe they'll give me some leading info.
Thanks again!

[SoniaRose]

Regarding newspaper announcements:
I don't know how difficult it is to search archives for old birth announcements, but I just have an interesting story:

I was recently found by some relatives on my bfather's side, and the family had saved the original birth announcement which appeared in a local newspaper back in the 50's.

Pretending that my bmom's name was Mary Smith, and my bdad was John Doe -- the newspaper stated that a baby girl was born to a Mr. and Mrs. John Smith (my bparents were not married). So if I had ever found that announcement on my own, I would have been totally perplexed looking for a John Smith, and would not have realized that Smith was Mary's maiden name

So I just wanted to let you know that sometimes the names you might find may not always be accurate.

Best of wishes on your search.

[MontanaDream]

Thanks so much for the advice. I am beginning to think the info from CHS isn't all that accurate either. I"m sure that an unmarried woman, in that circumstance, might feel the need to conceal her identity.
Thanks

[California_Chris]

I would try for the hospital records as soon as possible. I have worked as a file clerk myself, and know that as businesses change offices or even storage locations, files that have been untouched for year after year can get lost in the shuffle. There is also a cost involved in storing and maintaining files, and some places will discard older files once a certain date has passed. So go out and get them while you can.