In April 2024, the Descendant Community of Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, Inc. was awarded the responsibility for the dignified reburial of 831 ancestors exhumed from the Milwaukee County Grounds Cemetery 2 in 2013. While a small DNA research project was proposed, the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) determined it was not appropriate for this disposition.
Following a review process, WHS Director Christian W. Øverland finalized the decision on September 9, 2024. The remains will be transferred to Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum, with reburials starting as early as November 8, 2024, and concluding by September 2025.
With this celebratory news, we conclusively share:
- Our descendant community’s voice has been recognized!
- We received the award for dignified reburial.
- The remains will no longer be used for research but will be laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery.
- There will be a memorial/monument at the new burial site.
- Froedtert Hospital, as the disturbing entity, must pay the cost associated with the dignified reburial, including a marker to honor the reinterred individuals.
- The award includes a 1-year interment plan, providing quick resolution (not a drawn-out process).
- This dignified reburial disposition may create a future pathway for other County Grounds burials beyond this specific award.
Support Our Efforts and Future Projects
In addition to this good news, our researchers have also identified three more veterans previously unrecognized for their service. Due to our focus on the reburials, we will not hold a Veterans Day event this year, but we look forward to honoring these veterans with you in 2025.
While Froedtert Hospital is covering the costs of the reburial, we rely on the generosity of the community to fund essential overhead and future initiatives, including the Veterans Day event in 2025. Your donations are crucial to help us preserve the memory of those buried at Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries and to support our ongoing efforts, including the recognition of these veterans and the creation of memorials.
Please consider making a donation to support the Descendant Community’s mission. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us honor our ancestors and ensure the success of future projects.
Explore our updated website to donate, learn more about our projects, check out our publications, find answers in our FAQs about the reburial project, and more.