Human remains have been unearthed during Temple’s newest construction project. Work crews discovered fragments of caskets and bones while clearing ground for the foundation of the new Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts.
In an announcement released on April 11, the University said they have a protocol in place for this event. Temple has notified the coroner’s office, medical examiner, law enforcement, and archeologists about the discovery.
While shocking, it is not surprising. The area being cleared was once home to the Monument Cemetery, which held roughly 28,000 bodies at its fullest. The Cemetery was initially established in 1837 and was the city’s second largest Victorian era cemetery, designed for guests to stroll and reflect. However, it began falling into disrepair and was sold to Temple in the 1950’s.
The cemetery was removed to be replaced as an area for parking to accommodate and attract the growing number of commuters and potential students. A majority of the 28,000 bodies were transferred to the Lawnview Cemetery in Rockledge, PA. Only 300 of the original headstones were transferred, and many of the headstones and other sculptural works were added to the banks of the Delaware river to help stop erosion under the Betsy Ross bridge.
The news certainly created a stir around campus. Some students felt shocked despite knowing the parking lot was built on the cemetery.
“”I knew Temple was built on a cemetery, but it’s still shocking to see it dug up.”
Others wished the remains would be handled with care.
“Well, I think they at least got to do it respectfully. Like getting them all recovered and seeing like if they have, if they’re able to, to see who they are and talk to the family.”
Despite a slight delay in construction to carefully handle the remains, construction has resumed on the future Klein building. The new building is expected to be completed and open in time for the Fall 2027 semester.
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