“INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Today, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) announced that human remains and burial pits were discovered late last month as crews prepare to move utilities and begin excavation for the Henry Street project Bridge. The findings were shared with the Henry Street Community Advisory Group (CAG) last week.

“DPW archeological dig

“Stantec, Indy DPW’s archeology consultant, discovered 15 burial pits approximately three to four feet deep while preparing to begin archaeological excavations east of the White River. They also identified a possible headstone as well as a tombstone base for a total of seven monumental pieces.

“Stantec received approval for its archaeological survey plan for the Henry Street Bridge project in September 2024. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approved the work plan, which identifies the process of excavating, documenting and removing human remains and artifacts from frame Henry. Street right-of-way.

“As per the work plan, the construction crew is using a trench stabilization shoring system to safely excavate the Henry Street right-of-way. The team was in the process of installing the bracing stabilization system when the burial shafts were identified. As the burial pits were identified at a shallow depth, the shoring work was stopped to allow the identified remains to be exhumed.

“Trained bioarchaeologists and archaeologists will carefully remove the area above and around each grave pit by hand. Once all human remains are exposed, photographs and data documentation will be completed and the remains will be exhumed and sent to Dr. Jeremy Wilson’s laboratory at Indiana University – Indianapolis for analysis. The discovery of burial pits and artifacts will inform the community more about those buried there. “One of the many goals of the archeology team and the CAG is to re-establish the identities of the individuals buried in this cemetery and begin to understand their place in the history of the city. The discovery of objects such as footstones with initials is vital to these efforts because it gives us a starting point for genealogical research. This research, coupled with archaeological and osteological data, will bring us closer to achieving this goal,’ says Dr. Brooke Drew, an archaeologist on the Stantec team.“

“Throughout the excavation process, which is expected to last until the spring of 2025, tents will cover the work areas. This not only protects the excavated remains and artifacts, but also preserves the integrity and honors those who were buried in the area.

“Relocation AES Utility

“AES Indiana was preparing to install an underground utility line when their crews discovered human remains. In preparation for horizontal directional drilling, crews drilled two pits north and south of the Henry Street right-of-way.

“During the excavation of the north launch pit, archaeologists from Weintraut & Associates, working with Arcadis US and Robinson Trenching, identified at least two grave pits, including skeletal remains, buttons, a coffin and coffin hardware. Three graves were also identified in the south receiver pit. While the analysis is ongoing, bone and bone fragments and a coffin nail have been identified.

“Pursuant to its approved work plan, Weintraut and Associates notified the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology of each discovery. All five burials were discovered about four feet below the surface of the soil. Dr. Wilson will also perform human remains analysis for the AES.

“‘AES Indiana is committed to working in partnership with the City of Indianapolis to ensure a proper and respectful excavation process throughout the entire project,’ said Roderick Conwell, AES Indiana Senior Director of Transportation and Distribution Operations.

“Impact of the Henry Street Bridge on Greenlawn Cemetery

“For more than a year, city officials have met with community members concerned about the location of the Henry Street Bridge and its approaches. Henry Street, east of the river, occupies a portion of the city’s first cemetery, a collection of four long-abandoned cemeteries collectively known as Greenlawn Cemetery.

“To learn more about the Henry Street Bridge project, visit wridinfrastructure.com/

“To learn more about Indy DPW construction projects, visit indy.gov/DPWprojects.”

Indianapolis Department of Public Works Office of Public Information, November 4, 2024