female, dob 6/30/77, born in stoneham, still searching, but found out birth name

A few thoughts on where to go with this. First, go to [url]http://registry.adoption.com/index.php[/url] and sign up, listing your info. That way it's out there and google searches do pick up that info. Second, do you know the agency used? Contact them for non-ID info which might be able to narrow down the search. Assuming you know the agency, D.S.S. can give you their current contact info. Call (617) 748-2267 and tell them you're looking for non-ID info, etc and they will give you the appropriate numbers to call. You can also sign up for a mutual registry with the agency, so that if your ** put a waiver on file or even searches for you, your information will get exchanged. Third, list any/all info here. What hospital, for example? I live in Stoneham currently and I am fairly certain there are no hospitals currently in town, but who knows back in 77. There's one next door in Winchester and one the other way in Melrose. Also, when were you adopted? Right at birth or a while later? I only ask because if not right away, there might be a birth announcement which could be traced to a local paper back around the date. And since I'm all of 4 blocks from the library, I might be able to swing over, assuming I can wrangle some free time away from work and home. What else? Clearly O'Halloran in the Boston area is a tough one. Also, if that was your mother's maiden name, that could have long since changed, which adds another wrinkle. I used my own DB for a search and got 152 records for o'halloran within 15 miles of stoneham, using an age range of 42-52 (15-25 at your birth). 4 Currently live in Stoneham, but it's a stretch for sure. Until it could be narrowed, it's just a shot in the dark. If you give me the hospital info, let me see if I can eek out an hour this week to hit the library to search the old announcements for the first week of July, 1977. Either here or PM will work fine. - Matt

hi matt, that's the name of the hospital i was born. i was in foster care for about three months prior to adoption. i was adopted through catholic charities (it may be another name similiar, but i don't have all the info in front of me). hope that helps! you are a huge help and i sincerely appreciate all and any effort... thanks, lynne

I'll see if I can swing into the library this saturday. I just printed out your info and I'll take a shot. I would call the DSS and ask for the contact info at the Catholic Charities which would have handled a Stoneham area adoption. Then you can request either non-ID info or ask them to do the search for you. It's fee-based, and some people don't care for CC, but it is an option. - Matt

struck out at the library. If the adoption was planned, they could have opted to not publish a birth announcement. I was also embarrassed that I didn't remember NE medical center - it's a huge issue in town now with all sorts of building plans for the old site. My current dentist is even on the old campus now. But I digress. You could always try Stoneham town hall, but the second they get a whiff of the adoption word, they'll likely clam up. Might be worth a shot. The number is 781-279-2650. Maybe ask what you need to do to get your birth cert or vital records. Maybe you use a little social engineering to see what you can get. I'm not suggestion you lie, just be creative. If they need someone to come in person, let them know Cousin Matt will swing by, and I'd be happy to head over for you, since it is all of one block from my home. We'd just have to chat first to synch up info. I would also suggest you contact the DSS number listed below and ask for the info for the court which would have handled your adoption, and petition them for your info. I did the same, and I just got my request granted (took 6 or so weeks, but clearly well worth the wait!!). It's like Middlesex County Probate Court in Cambridge, but better to be certain first. They'll likely give you a contact name at the court to call, and they'll explain the necessary steps (letter with notarized signature is what I had to provide). - Matt

Thanks so much for your efforts, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner (family death). I will try what you told me and I will definitely keep you posted. Thanks again.

hi, after many months of locating my b-name... i just found out my b.mom's name today. how should i proceed? she is still living in the town she was listed as at time of my birth. please advise. want to make this happen since i am getting married in october and want to have kids. thanks!