Author: Benjamin Neumann

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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 BSPB also has six members appointed by the governor:

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.

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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.

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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.