As part of routine site prep work at the construction site on North Broad Street across from Polett Walk, crews uncovered the remains of caskets and some bone fragments. This discovery is not unexpected as the construction site occupies a portion of the former Monument Cemetery that was acquired by the university and the Philadelphia Board of Education in the 1950s. At that time, the remains were relocated and reinterred at Lawnview Memorial Park.   

Knowing that it is not uncommon for remains to be discovered at construction sites with similar histories, the university had prepared a detailed plan for the appropriate protocol in the event of the discovery of human remains. That plan includes notification of the Philadelphia Coroner’s Office, medical examiner, an archeologist and law enforcement. Per the protocol, crews immediately halted work at the site when the remains were first discovered, and Temple’s Project Delivery Group (PDG) notified the university’s archeological consultant and other appropriate agencies, who then visited the site and directed next steps. We followed their guidance to ensure the remains were handled with the utmost care and respect and per the protocol, did not resume work in that area until directed by the appropriate agencies. 

Moving forward, PDG will remain in frequent communication with our archaeological partners and continue to follow the prescribed protocol to ensure that any remains are respectfully and properly reinterred.