Is it possible to access adoption records from the early 1900s in New York State?

Question

I am working on a family genealogy and am trying to find records of my grandfather who was born in 1907 but was subsequently adopted. I believe I know his birth name and his biological father's name, but I don't have a birth certificate for him to see if it was amended with his adopted name. Is there any way to go about doing this?

Answer 1

Y-DNA testing will keep you on the right path.  Once you get past this bump, you may find there was another adoption or something else.  As long as others of the same original surname are also tested you can find out what your original surname was.  Of course not everyone of the same surname will match up because of adoption or something else, but you can still pinpoint family lines.  I have my surname confirmed all the way to 1667.  Check it out.  http://www.familytreedna.com

I recommend at least 37 Markers tested, as anything less may send you on a goose chase, unless you already knew the surname.

As for adoption records that early you would have to contact [e-mail], to find out.  Also just to get the word out, check out http://pilot.familysearch.com.  It has a free record search.  While it's still a pilot, it's limited, but has already helped me out a bit.

Answer 2

This is the web page you need regarding the birth certificate:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_reco...

And this page describes the process/ rules for getting an adoption certificate:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_reco...

I seriously doubt the birth certificate would have been amended to reflect his adopted name.  His name would have been legally changed once he was adopted.

Best of luck, I hope that helps!