Using DNA to restore the identity and dignity of Richmond's ancestors: The East Marshall Street Well Project

In 1994, a 19th-century well containing commingled skeletal remains was discovered in Richmond, Virginia. These remains, primarily stolen from African American burial grounds, had been used at the Medical College of Virginia for dissection practices. The East Marshall Street Well Project was established in 2013 to foster community discussions on this discovery. Following the consultation process, the Family Representative Council (FRC) was formed to represent the descendant community of those found in the well and guide respectful memorialization and reburial efforts. Genetic and anthropological research was approved, aiming to reassociate the commingled remains into individuals and to provide insights into their ancestral origins. Through DNA analysis, bones belonging to 33 individuals were reassociated. Although degradation and commingling limited full reassociation, 36 unique INNUL profiles were identified, establishing a minimum of 36 adult individuals. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes from the juvenile remains indicated the presence of at least six juveniles. Ancestry-informative markers confirmed predominantly African heritage, with mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome data linking the African ancestors of the EMSW individuals to Central-West Africa. This aligns with documented patterns of displacement during the transatlantic slave trade. Anthropological analysis of skeletal biography and postmortem skeletal markers provided insight into the heavy labor endured by these individuals during their lives and the disregard for their bodies after death. This study is crucial for ensuring respectful burial and proper memorialization, honoring the individuals' personhood, dignity, and historical significance. By shedding light on their origins and experiences, it helps the descendant community address past injustices.