This page is a growing collection of research, historical context, and trusted resources related to black-market adoption, hidden histories, and the systems that affected so many lives. My hope is that these materials help others learn, understand, and feel less alone as they seek truth.

Photo credit: City of Montreal Archives   |  Montreal, mid-20th century

Black Market Babies: Podcast & Historical Insight

I recently came across a two-part podcast series that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. “Black Market Babies,” produced by Canadaland, investigates an international baby-smuggling ring that operated out of Montreal during the 1950s.

The series unfolds across two episodes—Episode #1063, released on November 25, 2024, and Episode #1076, which followed shortly after. Through one family’s story, the podcast reveals a much larger and deeply troubling system that affected countless lives.

Listening to these episodes was emotional for me. As someone who learned the truth about my origins later in life, the stories felt familiar in ways that are difficult to put into words. They underscore the importance of truth, acknowledgment, and the lasting impact of secrecy—not only on individuals, but on generations.

Listening resources:
You can listen to the Black Market Babies series on the canadaland website: https://www.canadaland.com/podcast/1063-black-market-babies-part-one/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-market-babies/id721048994?i=1000678113373

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6X2Gh2psnxXcSPU5Vk3Pbp

An Afternoon in Warrenton: Connection, Storytelling, and One Powerful Reunion

After a meaningful morning at the Warrenton Library, we headed just down the street to Molly’s Irish Pub. What started as a casual lunch turned into an unforgettable afternoon of reconnection, reflection, and story-sharing.

Family, Advocacy, and Unexpected Joy

I was reunited with my cousin Lisa Shannon, whom I first met in Denver in 2018. She now lives in Virginia, and seeing her again felt like no time had passed.

We were joined by Ann Mire, a friend and adoptee advocate I originally met at Untangling My Roots. Ann brings deep compassion and powerful truth to everything she does in this space.

Reunited with Lisa and joined by Ann—two incredible women who live and lead with heart.

We shared stories, talked about Connected: Finding My Truth, and reflected on family, healing, and what comes next.

Jesse’s Presence Meant Everything

My brother Jesse was there too. He opened up more than usual, and seeing him connect and enjoy himself truly meant the world to me.

Jesse and Lisa, quiet joy and genuine connection.

A Reader Connection That Stuck

Just before we left, a man named Steve Smith stopped my cousin Lisa and struck up a conversation. He then turned to me, asked about the book, and moments later insisted on buying a copy.

Steve Smith stopped Lisa, asked about the book, and left with a copy of Connected. These moments stay with you.

Steve Smith stopped Lisa, asked about the book, and left with a copy of Connected. These moments stay with you.

What a Morning in Historic Warrenton, VA

Driving through downtown felt like stepping back in time.
The brick-lined streets, the historic buildings—you can almost hear the echo of horse-drawn carriages and century-old conversations.

We parked and stepped into the local library, where we were welcomed with such warmth it felt like home.

Submission + Surprise

I met a kind young woman named Sierra, filled out a form, and submitted my book Connected: Finding My Truth for consideration under Nonfiction / General.

But then came the real surprise.

We wandered into the genealogy room. I only meant to peek in—but ended up spending forty-five minutes tracing my roots.

The Ashby Book—where it all began.

A Family Connection Emerges

While flipping through pages, I discovered a connection to the Ashby family—one that leads all the way back to Quenby, Leicestershire, England.

Tracing lineage through Virginia and beyond.

The Ashby family crest: “Be just and fear not.”

Just one aisle in a room full of history. Stacks of family histories at the Warrenton Library.

Warrenton’s library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a gateway to your past.

Learn more about my journey and my book Connected: Finding My Truth at www.dianakaylahochberg.com

References from Connected: Finding My Truth

DNA Sites Used in Connected

  • Ancestry.com

  • 23andMe.com

  • FamilyTree.com

  • GEDmatch.com

Research & Archival Sources

  • Ancestry.com resource records

  • Canada.archives.com (free search)

  • British Columbia Genealogical Society – Member

  • National Genealogical Society – Member

  • Archives in New Westminster, BC

  • Archives in Vancouver, BC

  • Clearwater Main Library, FL

  • Denver Public Library, CO

  • New Westminster Library, BC

  • Safety Harbor Library, FL

  • Selby Public Library, Sarasota, FL

  • Vancouver Public Library – Special Collections & Central Branch

  • Western History & Genealogy Dept., Denver, CO

Social Media, Podcasts, and Support Groups

Hospitals

  • Manhattan General Hospital – Manhattan, NY

  • Royal Columbian Hospital – New Westminster, BC

  • Vancouver General Hospital – Vancouver, BC

Books Cited in Connected

  • Hidden History of St. Petersburg by Will Michaels

  • Hope Lives Here by Bob Burrows

  • Liquor, Lust, and the Law by Aaron Chapman

  • Mob Rule: Inside the Canadian Mafia by James Dubro

  • Smaldone: The Untold Story of an American Crime Family by Dick Kreck

  • The Traffic in Babies by Karen Balcom

Films Mentioned

  • Father Unknown (2014) – Dir. David Quint

  • It’s a Wonderful Life

  • Miracle on 34th Street

  • The Godfather

  • Goodfellas

  • True Lies (1994)

  • The Sopranos

Songs Referenced

  • “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper

  • “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor

  • “My Way” – Frank Sinatra

Search for Stories

As a genealogist, I’ve spent years tracing threads from the past, piecing together lives and legacies. There’s an extraordinary beauty in finding your place in a larger tapestry of history. But what surprised me most was how this work changed my perspective—it made me realize that our personal truths are just as layered and vital as the histories we uncover

Truth in the Mundane

While genealogy offers profound moments of discovery, I’ve learned that truth often reveals itself in unexpected, everyday places. Whether it’s through a heartfelt conversation over coffee or the quiet companionship of my cat as I write, the seemingly small moments have shaped my understanding of connection.

The Journey to Connected

When I sat down to write Connected: Finding My Truth, I wasn’t just telling my story—I was searching for it. The process challenged me to revisit moments I had forgotten.

Finding Connection Everywhere

This blog is my space to explore unexpected connections—through personal stories, creative adventures, and reflections on life’s simple joys (like coffee and cats). I hope these musings inspire you to discover your own truths, wherever they may take you.