Massachusetts Infant Asylum

The Massachusetts Infant Asylum was established in 1868 as a private agency to care for deserted infants and was popularly known as the nation's first foundling hospital. In 1912 the name was changed to the Massachusetts Babies Hospital. It merged with the Boston Children's Aid Society in 1916.

The Massachusetts Infant Asylum was incorporated 15 May 1867 by the legislature of Massachusetts. Completion of the by-laws, securing of a building, and other administrative tasks delayed the opening of the institution until 1868. The Asylum was founded to assist and provide for abandoned and destitute infants. From its opening, the institution selectively admitted infants. The original by-laws of the Asylum made membership in the corporation contingent on payment of a yearly monetary sum. The corporation met annually, usually in February, and at special meetings. Special meetings of the corporation were called to address a pressing, significant issue. Officers were elected at annual meetings, and they included a president, secretary, treasurer, auditor, and board of directors. The Asylum also employed a physician. The board of directors met once a month for the purpose of conducting the business of the Asylum. Visitors were chosen from the board of directors and given superintendence of the Asylum. At one time, the Asylum operated a school for nursemaids.