History of Adoption

Currently 1/5 Stars.

You may use the stars on the left to rate and leave feedback for the current article. No registration is required. Waiting for 5 votes

The practice of adoption dates back at least as far as the 18th century BC. Trace its evolution from the earliest written laws through to the present in articles, stories, and timelines.

The Adoption History Project
Historian and educator, Ellen Herman, has created a remarkable document tracing modern adoption history in the U.S., within the social and political framework in which it happened - and is happening. Timelines, books, people, and studies are only a few of the areas explored.

Articles

The history of adoption and adoption law in the US and around the world is explored in articles, stories, and timelines.

We Three Kings: A History of Adoption

Black Market Adoptions

Tracing the history of black market adoption operations isn't easy, but several researchers have done remarkably well working with very little information.

Law

The first known written adoption law was the Code of Hammurabi. Our modern U.S. adoption law derives from Roman law.

Operation Pedro Pan

In 1961 and 1962, the largest group of unaccompanied minors arrived in the U.S. They came from Cuba and were placed by the Catholic Church in foster homes around the nation. Information and resources.

Orphan Trains of the United States

Between 1854 and 1930, an estimated 150,000 - 200,000 children were transported by train from the eastern United States to foster and adoptive families in the American Mid-West.

Orphan Trains

Other Resources

Bibliographies, reference sources, and historical information about orphanages are among the historical materials available on the Net.

Add Your Comments!

We want to know what you think. Your comments are important to us and the other readers. You are what makes this site special.