Booth Memorial Hospital birth records are preserved and managed by the Salvation Army’s Historical Records Division, specifically through its Booth Brown House unit in Des Plaines, Illinois. These records serve as vital resources for adoptees, birth mothers, siblings, and extended family members seeking to reconnect or verify personal history. Most files cover births from 1910 to 1975, when the hospital operated under various names including Women’s Home and Hospital, Salvation Army Women’s Home and Hospital, and finally Booth Memorial Home. The records contain medical documentation such as admission logs, discharge summaries, infant health charts, and physician notes—but do not include adoption placement details, as the Salvation Army never acted as an adoption agency. Requests are processed confidentially, with non-identifying information available immediately and full records released only after identity verification.
Who Can Request Booth Memorial Birth Records?
Eligible individuals include adult adoptees born at any Booth Memorial facility, birth mothers who gave birth there, biological siblings, and legal representatives with proper documentation. Minors cannot request records directly; a parent or legal guardian must submit on their behalf. The Salvation Army requires proof of identity and relationship to the person named in the record. This includes a government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, or court order. For adoptees, an adoption decree may be needed to confirm legal status. Birth mothers must provide their maiden name and date of birth. All requests are handled with strict confidentiality to protect privacy while enabling family reconnection.
What Information Is Included in Booth Memorial Records?
Booth Memorial birth records typically include the child’s full legal name at birth, exact date and time of birth, birth weight, attending physician, hospital ward number, mother’s maiden name, admission and discharge dates, and notes from newborn examinations. Some files also list complications during delivery, Apgar scores, and postnatal care instructions. However, these records do not contain adoption paperwork, foster care assignments, or post-birth placement decisions. The Salvation Army only maintained medical and custodial logs, not social service or legal transfer documents. This distinction is critical for requesters to understand—while the records can confirm birth facts and help locate biological relatives, they won’t reveal adoptive family names or current addresses.
How to Submit a Request for Booth Memorial Birth Records
Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person through the Booth Campus portal or the Booth Brown House office. Start by completing the standard request form, which asks for the applicant’s full name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and the specific Booth Memorial location (e.g., Cleveland, Des Plaines, or other regional sites). Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID and any supporting documents like a birth certificate or adoption decree. A processing fee of $15–$20 covers duplication and mailing. Mail completed forms to 3400 West Grand Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018, or email them to the Records Coordinator. Most requests are fulfilled within 2–6 weeks, depending on file availability and verification steps.
Online Portal and Digitization Efforts
The Salvation Army has launched the New Frontier project to digitize over 20,000 historical records from Booth Memorial facilities. As of 2025, more than 8,000 case files have been scanned and added to a secure online database. The goal is to complete digitization of all paper records by mid-2026, making them searchable via a password-protected portal. This initiative significantly reduces wait times and improves access for people living outside Illinois. The online system allows users to check request status, upload documents, and receive digital copies via encrypted email. Staff verify eligibility by cross-referencing submitted data with archived indexes, ensuring only authorized individuals gain access.
Confidential Search and Reunion Registry Services
The Salvation Army offers a confidential search service for adoptees and birth families seeking mutual contact. Requesters enroll in the reunion registry, providing basic non-identifying details such as birth date, hospital ward, and attending physician. If both parties register, the office facilitates anonymous communication or direct connection based on consent. This service is free and does not require payment beyond standard record fees. Counseling referrals are also available through the Salvation Army Family Services department to support emotional well-being during the search process. The registry has helped hundreds of “Booth Babies” reconnect with biological relatives since its launch in the 1990s.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For assistance, contact Astrid Steinsland, Senior Records Coordinator, at the Booth Brown House office in Des Plaines, Illinois. The address is 3400 West Grand Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Phone inquiries can be made to the National Salvation Army Headquarters at 703-684-5500, asking for the Booth Brown House Records Unit. Email requests should include full name, birth date, mother’s maiden name, and a scanned copy of ID. Responses typically arrive within 5 business days. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are recommended to ensure staff availability.
Common Challenges and How to Resolve Them
Many requesters face delays due to incomplete forms or missing documentation. To avoid this, double-check that all fields are filled, IDs are legible, and names match official records exactly. If your birth name differs from your current name (e.g., due to adoption), include both names and a legal name change document. Some records from the 1940s–1960s may be incomplete or damaged; in such cases, the office provides a statement of missing data rather than a full file. If you don’t receive a response within 6 weeks, follow up by phone or email. Persistence often resolves issues caused by high request volume or staffing changes.
Success Stories: Real Cases of Reconnection
In 2022, a woman born in 1953 at the Booth Maternity Home in Cleveland submitted a request with her Social Security number and birth details. Using admission logs and cross-referenced data, staff located her birth mother’s file. With consent from both parties, they facilitated contact, confirmed through DNA testing by a third-party lab. Another case involved a man born in 1960 in Des Plaines who received his original birth certificate after a FOIA request, listing Dr. James H. Miller as the attending physician and confirming a normal newborn exam. These stories highlight the emotional and historical value of Booth Memorial records for individuals seeking identity and closure.
Historical Background of Booth Memorial Hospitals
Booth Memorial Hospital began as The Rescue in 1892 in Cleveland, founded by Colonel Mary Stillwell of the Salvation Army to shelter unwed mothers. It became part of the Salvation Army’s women’s social-service department in 1902 and expanded its facilities in 1904. Renamed Booth Memorial Home in 1940, it operated maternity wards across multiple states, including Illinois, Ohio, and California. The Des Plaines location opened in the 1930s and became the central archive site after other branches closed. Records from all locations are now consolidated at Booth Brown House, preserving over a century of maternal and infant care history.
Why the Salvation Army Doesn’t Have Adoption Records
It’s important to clarify that the Salvation Army never functioned as an adoption agency. Its role was limited to providing medical care, shelter, and support to pregnant women and newborns. Adoption placements were handled by external agencies, courts, or private attorneys. Therefore, Booth Memorial records contain only clinical and custodial information—no adoption decrees, home studies, or foster care assignments. This misconception leads many requesters to expect more than what’s available. Understanding this distinction helps set realistic expectations and directs adoptees to the correct resources for adoption-specific documents.
Fees, Processing Times, and Delivery Methods
The standard fee for Booth Memorial birth record requests is $15 for online submissions and $20 for mailed or in-person requests. This covers copying, certification, and first-class mailing. Expedited service is not currently offered. Most requests are completed within 2–3 weeks if all documents are in order; complex cases may take up to 45 days. Records are delivered via USPS mail or secure email, depending on the applicant’s preference. Digital copies are watermarked and sent as PDFs with encryption for privacy. No records are released over the phone or fax due to security policies.
Tips for First-Time Requesters
Start by gathering all known details: your full birth name, exact date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and the city where you were born. If unsure, check old family documents or ask relatives. Use the Salvation Army’s online portal for faster processing. Always send copies—not originals—of your ID and supporting papers. Keep a record of your submission date and reference number. If you’re an adoptee, consider joining the reunion registry simultaneously to increase chances of contact. Be patient but proactive—follow up if you don’t hear back within the stated timeframe.
Related Services and Support Resources
In addition to record retrieval, the Salvation Army offers counseling through its Family Services department to help individuals cope with the emotional aspects of searching for birth families. Referrals to licensed therapists, support groups, and DNA testing partners are available upon request. The Booth Brown House Youth Shelter also provides transitional housing and life skills training for at-risk youth, continuing the organization’s legacy of care. For genealogical research, the Cleveland Public Library holds physical copies of early admission registers under call number CPC-Booth-1900-1945, accessible by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Booth Memorial Birth Records
Many people ask whether they can get their records if they were born before 1910 or after 1975. Unfortunately, most archived files only cover 1910–1975. Exceptions may exist for special cases, so it’s worth submitting a request even if your birth falls outside this range. Others wonder if records are available for hospitals in New York or California. While Booth Memorial operated in multiple states, all surviving records are now housed in Des Plaines, Illinois. The Salvation Army does not maintain separate archives by location. Finally, some fear that requesting records will disrupt their adoptive family—rest assured, all searches are confidential and do not notify anyone unless mutual consent is given.
Official Contact Details and Location
Booth Brown House Records Unit
3400 West Grand Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 703-684-5500 (ask for Records Unit)
Email: records@boothbrownhouse.org
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. CT
Website: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/boothbrownhouse/historic-booth-hospital/
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have detailed questions about accessing Booth Memorial birth records. Below are the most common inquiries, answered with clarity and based on current policies and real-world experiences.
Can I get my Booth Memorial birth record if I was born after 1975?
Most Booth Memorial records end in 1975, when the hospital ceased maternity operations. However, some late files may exist due to delayed discharges or administrative holdovers. Submit a request regardless—include your full name, birth date, mother’s maiden name, and any known hospital details. The Records Coordinator will search all available archives, including unprocessed boxes. If no file is found, you’ll receive a formal letter stating the absence of records. This documentation can be useful for genealogical research or legal purposes. Note that post-1975 births at other Salvation Army facilities are not covered under this archive.
Do I need a lawyer to request my Booth Memorial records?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Individuals can submit requests directly using the standard form. Legal representation is only required if you’re acting on behalf of someone else, such as a minor or incapacitated adult. In those cases, include a court order or power of attorney. The Salvation Army processes thousands of personal requests annually without legal involvement. The process is designed to be accessible, confidential, and user-friendly. Simply provide valid ID, proof of relationship, and payment. Staff are trained to assist with questions and guide you through each step.
How long does it take to receive Booth Memorial records?
Typical processing time is 2–3 weeks for online requests and 4–6 weeks for mailed submissions. Delays occur if forms are incomplete, IDs are unclear, or files require manual retrieval from offsite storage. During peak periods (spring and fall), wait times may extend to 45 days. You’ll receive an email or letter confirmation once your request is received and again when records are shipped. If you haven’t heard back after 6 weeks, call 703-684-5500 to check status. Expedited service is not available, but digitization efforts are reducing future wait times significantly.
Are Booth Memorial records available for hospitals in California or New York?
No. Although Booth Memorial operated in multiple states, all surviving birth records are now centralized at the Booth Brown House in Des Plaines, Illinois. This includes files from Cleveland, Los Angeles, and other former locations. The Salvation Army consolidated archives in the 1980s for preservation and access. If you were born at a Booth facility outside Illinois, your records are likely in this collection. Submit your request to the Des Plaines office with the city and state of birth noted. Staff will search all regional indexes to locate your file.
Will requesting my record notify my adoptive parents?
Absolutely not. All requests are handled with strict confidentiality. The Salvation Army does not contact adoptive families, agencies, or third parties unless explicit permission is given by all involved. Your search remains private. Only you (or your legal representative) will receive the records or a response. This policy protects the privacy of adoptees, birth mothers, and families. If you later choose to connect with biological relatives through the reunion registry, contact is only initiated with mutual consent. Your initial record request is invisible to everyone else.
What if my Booth Memorial record is missing or incomplete?
If your file is lost, damaged, or never created, the office will issue a “Statement of Missing Information” letter. This document confirms that no record exists in their archives. It can be used for legal, medical, or genealogical purposes. In some cases, partial data may be recovered from admission logs or physician notes. The New Frontier digitization project is uncovering previously inaccessible files, so re-submitting a request in 2026 may yield new results. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
Can I visit the Booth Brown House in person to view records?
Yes, but appointments are required. Walk-ins are not guaranteed access due to limited staff and privacy protocols. Call ahead to schedule a visit during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. CT). Bring your ID and request form. You may view your own record onsite, but copies must be requested separately and paid for. Photography is not permitted. The facility is not a public museum—it’s an active records repository. Respect confidentiality policies at all times.