VCU to create memorial for people, most of African descent, whose remains were dumped in a well
Virginia Commonwealth University will spend $3.6 million on a memorial for dozens of people, most of African descent, whose bodies were stolen from their graves and dumped in a well. The memorial is expected to start construction in summer 2027.
Virginia Commonwealth University's board of visitors has voted to fund the East Marshall Street Well Project, a memorial for dozens of people, mostly of African descent, whose remains were dumped in a well after being dissected by medical students. The university will spend $3.6 million on the project. The remains were discovered in 1994 during construction of the Kontos Medical Sciences Building on the VCU medical center campus. Researchers believe the remains were dumped in the well between the 1840s and 1860s. A DNA study released in February identified at least 43 distinct adults and three juveniles of 'predominantly African heritage.' The circular memorial will feature a 'unity chamber' inspired by the Toguna structures of Dogon culture in West Africa. Construction is expected to start in summer 2027.
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