In honor of RI Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks, State Archaeologist Charlotte Taylor presents a talk on Rhode Island cemetery law.

Before 1990, it wasn't safe to be dead in Rhode Island. Although the destruction of graves has been a felony in Rhode Island since 1896, this did not stop property developers and road builders from destroying cemeteries that got in the way of their plans, including the burial places of Native Americans some thousands of years old. It did not stop antiquarians and curious property owners from digging up bodies.

Explore this dark history and today's era of stronger laws and more engaged advocacy for Rhode Islanders who can no longer speak for themselves. Charlotte will present both atrocities and stories of successful, respectful preservation, drawing on her experiences as one of the first people who is called when (old) skeletal remains are found.

Please register to receive an email reminder. 

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Charlotte Taylor is the Principal Archaeologist at the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.  When old human remains are found in Rhode Island, she's the one that gets the call and determines what should be done next. Fortunately, this is only a small part of her job.