Hello - I am looking for information of my grandfather Niels Andreasen, who I believe resided at this institution and died there in 1926. He was from Montcalm County, Michigan. Can anyone give me guidance as to how to obtain these records? Thank you very much!

Bryan Larsen

I'm trying to figure out the same thing. It is my understanding that many of the records are held by the Michigan State Archives and that the process is somewhat involved. Because of privacy laws, I am guessing you would have to contact the Michigan Department of Community Health. They will explain the process and then you take it from there. Their contact information is at http://www.michigan.gov/som . In most circumstances, I believe you would have to get a court order for the records.

I also found a discussion board relating to the hospital. It had very helpful information, particularly in the series of posts titled "re: grandmother". Those aren't current posts but have really good info. Here is the link to the discussion board:

http://pub13.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=1094...

Of course you can also post there yourself if you would find that to be helpful. Good luck on your search.

Taking the issue to court has apparently only worked IF there is a medical reason.

If the Library of Michigan closes it won't matter anyway none of it will be available. Write / Call MI congressman and anyone else you can think of that might help. Out-of-staters also welcome as it is your family there to research.

Does that apply even if the person died more than a century ago?

Yes, it does not matter when. You might try talking to the archivist at the State of Michigan Archives and see what they say.

Thanks for you help.

I missed that typo. Thanks for your help.

I found this information on the Michigan archives website:

http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17449_18637_20992-5...

It doesn't look promising.

Thanks everyone for your help.