This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jashleyodell Surnames: Howard, Fortin Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.vermont.unknown/5078/mb.ashx Message Board Post: As some of you may be aware, Vermont has arguably the strictest laws in the country regarding who can gain access to their adoption records. My grandfather was an adoptee, and he even he was denied access to his original birth certificate before he died. Now that he has passed, we have absolutely no way of gaining access to his records. This was a source of huge emotional stress for him, and I would like to uncover what I can in order to see his mission through. He was adopted by a HOWARD family in Townshend, Windham Co. in the late 1920s or early 1930s. His adoptive parents told him his birth name was FORTIN. Does anyone happen to know anything about a FORTIN who entrusted her son with someone else around that time? Or does anyone have advice from experience navigating the draconian Vermont adoption records system? I'm honestly not out to embarrass a birth mother or to uncover any tawdry secrets...my grandfather just desperately wanted to know who he came from, and it would be nice to put this one to rest. It's mind-boggling what they keep sealed that would be completely available in most other states. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.