Introducing Our New LinkedIn Page

We are pleased to announce the launch of our official LinkedIn page. This new platform offers another means to stay informed about our ongoing efforts to honor and dignify those once interred at the Milwaukee County Grounds cemeteries.

Historical photograph of a hospital ward with patients seated and lying in beds along both walls, attended by nurses. The room is long with high ceilings and large windows, evoking early institutional care settings of the late 19th or early 20th century. — Historical view of a Milwaukee County institutional ward. Our efforts today honor those whose lives were shaped—and often ended—within these walls.

Our work—preserving memory, restoring dignity and supporting descendants—rests not only on historical and genealogical research, but also on building enduring relationships within the broader community. LinkedIn provides a space where we can share our organizational updates, engage with like-minded institutions and invite new volunteers and supporters to join our mission.

What to Expect on LinkedIn

Re-posts of our blog articles, highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve memory and restore dignity
A dignified presence for those wishing to follow our work from a professional or institutional standpoint
Occasional updates of organizational significance

We invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and share the page with others who may be interested in the historical, genealogical, and civic aspects of our work.

Follow Us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/descendantcommunity/

As always, our website remains the central resource for blog posts, background information, and opportunities to become involved. For more interactive discussion and community engagement, we welcome you to join our Facebook group.

We remain deeply grateful to each of you who walks with us in this mission to remember, honor and restore.

18 May 202518 May 2025

Circuit Court Dismisses Froedtert and County’s Appeal

Milwaukee County Courthouse (Credit: Asher Heimermann, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license)

On May 6^th, the Hon. William Sonsay granted a motion to dismiss the appeal from Froedtert Hospital and Milwaukee County. The appeal challenged the Wisconsin Historical Society’s approval of our reburial plan for the 831 ancestors exhumed in 2013.

The appeal questioned whether the approved plan was the best option and alleged that certain less expensive alternatives were not properly considered; the court found, however, that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient legal support or to act within the prescribed timeframe.

We look forward to working with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum to carry out the reburials. Froedtert Hospital remains responsible for the costs, and any further delays—regardless of their source—will only increase the financial burden. The Descendant Community remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the ancestors are treated with dignity and respect.

Clarification Regarding Ancestry and Allegations of Misrepresentation

Although the court’s decision was based on procedural grounds, the order references certain assertions that merit clarification:

Ancestry of the 831 Ancestors
The order states that virtually all 831 ancestors are of Native American descent. Not only do the individual identities of the ancestors remain unknown, their ancestry is not definitively established, as the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) did not perform formal ancestry estimations. Instead, assumptions based on historical records suggest primarily European origins, some African ancestry, and only a few Native American individuals associated with the site.
Alleged Misrepresentation of Alternatives
The order also references a claim that the Descendant Community’s proposal to the Wisconsin Historical Society misrepresented alternatives by omitting a less expensive plan. This assertion is unfounded. The reburial plan was developed through extensive research, consultation, and careful consideration of all viable alternatives known to the Descendant Community at the time. The proposal reflects a comprehensive and respectful approach, balancing dignity, feasibility, and cost.

Contrary to such claims, the Descendant Community did not omit any bona fide, viable alternatives from its submission. Any suggestion otherwise is misleading and does not accurately represent the thoroughness or intent of our proposal.

We emphasize that all human remains, regardless of ancestry, merit respectful and dignified treatment—the foundation of our efforts and proposals.

Join Us in Honoring Our Ancestors

A man in a Civil War-era uniform holds a folded US flag and approaches a group of seated people — 2023 memorial service

The work of respectfully reburying the 831 ancestors is a responsibility that requires community support and involvement. We welcome volunteers who wish to assist with genealogical research, community outreach, and educational efforts. Training and guidance are provided to ensure meaningful and respectful participation.

Financial contributions also play a critical role in covering costs related to the reburial process and ongoing care. Your donations help ensure that the ancestors are honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

If you wish to support this important work, please contact us or visit our website to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how to make a donation.

Together, we can honor the past and build a legacy of respect and remembrance for generations to come.

27 February 202527 February 2025

Froedtert Appeal in Circuit Court Delays Reburials

Froedtert Hospital is continuing to fight the Wisconsin Historical Society’s decision approving our reburial plan for the 831 ancestors exhumed in 2013. Unfortunately, this means the reburial of the ancestors housed at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee will remain on hold until the pending appeal has been resolved.

After the Division of Hearings and Appeals dismissed their appeal on January 10^th, finding that it did not have the authority to hear the case, Froedtert and the county filed an appeal in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on February 10^th. The case, Milwaukee County et al. vs. Christian W. Overland et al. (2025CV001230), has been assigned to the Hon. William Sosnay. While there is not a set timeframe, it is not likely to be concluded quickly.

Milwaukee County Courthouse (Credit: Ed Bierman. Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license)

Froedtert Hospital has raised concerns about the cost of our reburial plan, citing it as “too excessive;” the costs, however, are reasonable and reflect careful consideration of several factors. Finding a place for 831 individual graves within a single area in Milwaukee County was no easy task, and we are confident in our choice of Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum.

Our plan includes not only the initial cost of reburial but also perpetual care, which will involve ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the graves long after we are gone. This is expected and required for cemeteries in Wisconsin, ensuring the graves remain secure, well-maintained, and accessible to future generations.

The cost of our reburial plan is directly tied to when the reinterments are completed. The more time that passes before the reburials take place, the lower the cost will be for each grave. Froedtert will ultimately bear the increased costs, as they are responsible for paying regardless of when the reburials occur.

Next Steps

Our community is committed to ensuring that every person who was exhumed in 2013 receives the respect they deserve. We are not just fighting for ourselves; we are fighting for the values of our ancestors and the people who built Milwaukee County.

“Our direction at this time is to wait for these court things to happen,” Descendant Community President Judy Houston said. “It is really unfortunate. I’ve been very sad that these people will not be reburied this year.”

Despite this delay, we continue telling our story. We will also continue our genealogical research, identifying veterans and others with the hope of re-uniting them with their families.

Join Us

Join us in this fight for dignity and respect. Donate now or contact us to volunteer to help us honor our ancestors and ensure their legacy continues to thrive. Our community relies on volunteers like you to help us identify veterans and others who deserve reburial; training is provided, and we invite you to join our team!

12 December 202412 December 2024

Burial Sites Preservation Board and Conflict-Free Membership

The Burial Sites Preservation Board (BSPB) is a crucial institution in Wisconsin responsible for administering the state’s laws related to ancestral remains. The board was established to promote respect, dignity, and transparency in the handling of ancestral remains, particularly those of Native American ancestors. The BSPB plays a vital role in determining which individuals or groups have an interest in cataloged burial sites, reviewing decisions made by the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Department of Administration, approving transfers of burial sites from municipal to private ownership, and reviewing the director’s decision to rebury ancestral remains or transfer them to the custody of members of the Registry of Interested Persons.

Membership

The BSPB is attached to the Wisconsin Historical Society and has several ex officio members:

The state archaeologist (non-voting)
The director of the Wisconsin Historical Society
The state historic preservation officer (or designee)

The BSPB also has six members appointed by the governor:

Three nominated by the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey
Three nominated by federally recognized Native American tribes and bands

The Need for Conflict-Free Membership

Conflicts of interest can undermine the integrity of the BSPB’s decision-making processes, potentially leading to a lack of respect and dignity for individuals represented by ancestral remains. It is essential that BSPB members do not have conflicts of interest that could influence their decisions, as this would compromise the board’s ability to fulfill its purpose.

Appointments and Conflicts of Interest

We urge the Governor of Wisconsin to ensure that BSPB appointments prioritize conflict-free membership:

Prevent affiliations with institutions handling exhumed ancestral remains among BSPB members.
Mitigate the risk of conflicts of interest impacting decision-making.
Preserve the board’s reputation for integrity and credibility.

By prioritizing conflict-free membership, the state can ensure that the BSPB continues to fulfill its critical role in promoting respect, dignity, and transparency in Wisconsin’s handling of ancestral remains.

10 November 202411 November 2024

Explore Our New Digital Veteran Memorials

Last November, we embarked on a mission close to our hearts: to honor our veterans with the dignity and recognition they deserve. Our journey began with the commemoration of six veterans whose stories had long been buried in the Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, where neglect and anonymity often overshadowed their contributions. Through tireless research and collaboration with local historians and genealogists, we unearthed the remarkable tales of these overlooked heroes, spanning from the Civil War to the Spanish American War.

Today, we are excited to introduce our latest endeavor: our new digital veteran memorials. These memorials stand as a dynamic tribute, inviting visitors to delve into the lives of these veterans in a personal way. Users can connect with these forgotten heroes, gaining insight into their military service, personal struggles, and unwavering courage.

However, our mission is far from complete, and we need your help to continue our efforts. We are calling on individuals who share our passion for honoring veterans to join our veteran project research team. Whether you’re an experienced genealogist or new to the field, your contribution is invaluable. Training will be provided for those who are new to genealogy, and together, we will recognize the heroic soldiers who remain hidden at County Grounds. Please contact us to be connected with our genealogical team.

Additionally, as a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to sustain our work. Your donation will enable us to fund genealogical subscriptions and pension files required for ongoing research and outreach efforts, ensuring that the legacies of these overlooked veterans are preserved for future generations.

With your support, we can shine a spotlight on these forgotten heroes, ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions to our nation are never overlooked or forgotten. Together, let’s give these veterans the recognition they deserve and ensure that their stories are told for years to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

31 October 2024

Milwaukee County and Froedtert Hospital Appeal Reburial Decision

Milwaukee County and Froedtert Hospital filed appeals against the Wisconsin Historical Society’s decision regarding the reburial plan for the 831 ancestors exhumed in 2013.

The Division for Hearings and Appeals (DHA) has taken up Milwaukee County’s appeal. (Froedtert’s appeal is more recent and will likely be joined with it.) The case, Milwaukee County v. State Historical Society (DHA Case No. SHS-24-0001) has been assigned to Administrative Law Judge Angela Chaput Foy. The County, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and any other entity wishing to file briefs must do so before the next pre-hearing conference, which is scheduled for January 22, 2025.

Photograph of the Center for Advanced Care in the background. — The 831 ancestors were disinterred to construct the Center for Advanced Care building

Reasons for Appeal

Milwaukee County and Froedtert Hospital cite several reasons for their appeals. While they vary in their wording, they are similar:

Lack of due process
Procedural errors
Misinterpretation of definitions
Unlawful exercise of discretion (The county, in particular, says that the decision prohibits it from complying with its ordinances and procurement processes.)

These are largely the same reasons the county requested that the Burial Sites Preservation Board review the decision previously. At a meeting of the board held on August 8, 2024, Wisconsin Historical Society Attorney Sarah Larson explained that the request for review, which had been accepted past the deadline, lacked merit. The minutes from this meeting are available on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s website. While both the county and the hospital claim that they were unaware of this meeting, it was publicly announced and several members of the Descendant Community attended.

Our Commitment

As this appeal progresses, the Descendant Community remains committed to ensuring the respectful and dignified reburial of the 831 ancestors who were exhumed. We encourage the community to stay informed and involved as we work to honor the individuals once buried at Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries and address the impacts of past actions.