This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: laurahalling Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/402.417.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have been searching for additional records related to my grandmother's stay at St. Michael's in the late 30's and early 40's for YEARS. I did go to the county courthouse where my grandma was living at the time of her commitment to St. Michael's (Crawford County, WI) and they were not able to help. They said the records are sealed. They gave me the contact info for a place called Adoption Advocates in MAdison, WI, but they were not able to help me either because my grandmother was never adopted. I have sent another letter to the Crawford County Clerk and have not hear anything yet. I was also told by Adoption Advocates that I could request records under the Freedom of Information Act for Deceased Persons (look this up online for information on how to do this). I have not done this yet. You need to provide proof that the deceased person you are requesting records on is actually deceased - typically a newspaper obituary or a copy of the death certificate suffices. Years ago I contacted the Diocese of LaCrosse for records on my grandmother's stay at St. Michael's, since I was told the place was no longer in operation, and the only thing they could send me was a copy of her admission record. I do know she spent time with 3 foster families while she was committed to St. Michael's and never returned home to her mother. The Michael E. Dorsey that had posted here was my great uncle, my grandmother's younger brother, and he died in Nov. 2009. If anyone has any tips on how I could get records related to my grandmother's admission to and stay at St. Michael's other than just her admission record, please contact me personally. Thank you, Laura M Halling AT gmail.com 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.