Posted on by Judy Houston

2023 in Review

A man speaks outdoors. There are flags on his sides and there are people around him. To the side of the US flag is a honor guard dressed in Civil War uniforms.
2023 Veterans Day Event

Dear Supporters,

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! Set a moment to spend time with those dear to you and reflect on the past year shared together.

Isn’t it amazing how much can change in just one year?

From our first meeting to the formal establishment of our nonprofit, we’ve devoted ourselves to preserving the legacies of those once buried at Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries. Our non-profit is dedicated to the restoration of a dignified final rest for the largest and longest-held “collection” of exhumed human remains from a cemetery in the United States. Our mission is to provide programs and projects serving the individuals and families whose ancestors found their eternal rest at the County Grounds.

In August, our community took a significant step submitting a 264-page final disposition proposal for 831 individuals exhumed in 2013 – in response to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s request. This proposal, centered on identification and dignified burial, stands as a beacon of respect and remembrance for those who came before us. While awaiting the Wisconsin Historical Society’s decision, we’ve tirelessly continued our efforts, researching and embracing the life stories of these remarkable individuals.

Our journey has seen several milestones. September marked the launch of our website, fostering engagement with descendants and community members who share our passion. Your support on Veterans Day made a touching tribute possible for six soldiers, granting them the Veterans Affairs headstone memorials they rightfully deserved over a hundred years ago.

Your generosity enabled us to finance:

  • Acquisition of veteran pension and service files which provide documentation required for securing headstones
  • Veterans Day event insurance and printed programs
  • Subscriptions for our website and communications platforms
  • Research and outreach efforts to soldier descendant families

This overwhelming support ensured a fitting tribute on Veterans Day, all due to the generous help of many volunteers and organizations.

A man in a Civil War uniform holds a folded US flag and walks to approach a man sitting before him. In the background are US and military
A US flag is presented to a descendant of 2023 Veterans Day Event

Your belief fuels our progress. As the year ends, we seek your valued support to ensure these legacies endure. Generosity has already made a tangible difference, but there’s still much to be done. Please consider making a year-end donation to support our ongoing initiatives or consider joining our team as a volunteer. Together, we can preserve history, honor lives, and create a lasting legacy of remembrance.

To donate financially, please visit the Donate page.

Looking to contribute your time and join the team? We have several opportunities for volunteering:

  • Genealogical Researchers work with our research team to help find our courageous veterans once buried at County Grounds. These efforts lead to recognition of valiant soldiers with headstones and connecting their life stories with living family. Training provided.
  • Publicity Representatives work with our PR team to communicate about our descendant community, with the goal of creating public awareness.
  • Grant Writers help pursue funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as assist in the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals.

Checkout the timeline of the year below and our appearance in the media to learn more about what we’ve achieved in just twelve months. Please contact us if you want to volunteer or to learn more about what we are working on.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your kindness and support truly make a world of difference.

With gratitude,

Judy Klimt Houston, President

Timeline of the Year

  • January 2, 2023: Kickoff meeting with 15 attendees
  • March 2023: Dr. Raquel Fleskes presents research study showing that DNA collection from ancestors buried over 100 years ago can be matched to modern-day descendants. Community votes to approve goal of identification research followed by reburial.
  • April 2023: Formalized Descendant Community Association. Board elected.
  • June 2023: Wisconsin Burial Sites Preservation Board (WBSPB) approved the Descendant Community application to the Registry of Interested Persons for the cemeteries at County Grounds in the “Cultural” category (second-priority interest).
  • July 2023: Formalized Nonprofit Incorporation. Directors added. 45 supporters expressed interest in ongoing engagement with the Descendant Community.
  • August 2023: Responded to request from Wisconsin Historical Society for final disposition for 831 individuals exhumed in 2013. Descendant Community submitted a 264-page proposal focused on goals of identifying the ancestors by DNA testing and providing respectful, dignified reburial at Forest Home Cemetery.
  • September 2023: Descendant Community Website launched. Within a week of creation, engagement included contact from descendants and interested individuals previously unaware of our community.
  • November 2023: Veterans Day Headstone Dedication Event – attended by more than 90 individuals including direct descendants of the honored soldiers. Declaration of Appreciation received from Milwaukee County Executive. Special thanks to many devoted individuals, Civil War re-enactors, and organizations who supported the event. Purchased veteran pension files donated to Wisconsin Veterans Museum to support their cause.
  • December 2023: Year-end summary provided to 174 interested citizens and 61 local officials.