Family Research Question / Library of the Minnesota Historical Society Advice (Fergus Falls: transfer, transportation)

[Klhbrown]

Has anyone ever done family history research at the Historical Societies library? I'm curious as to how it works. Are there employees of volunteers there to assist you? I wouldn't know where to begin!

I'm looking for an adoption record for my grandmother from 1909. Adoption records are sealed for 100 years, so hers should be open as of 2009. She was supposedly found in Loring Park in MPLS and taken to a orphanage where she was adopted the same year by folks from Underwood (by Fergus Falls).

It's a long shot, but is anyone familiar with this? What orphanages in MPLS existed during that period and would serve the Loring Park area? Would it even be logical for someone in 1909 to travel 175 miles to adopt a child or would they do it locally? Would it be possible she was found in Loring Park but transfered to an orphanage 175 miles away? It just doesn't make much sense considering the transportation options available then.

Thanks for any help you can give!