East Marshall Street Well Project
In April 1994, human bones and artifacts from the 19th century were discovered in an abandoned well uncovered during construction on Virginia Commonwealth University’s MCV Campus. The well’s contents are believed to have been discarded in the 1800s by medical staff.
These humans, mainly of African descent, were not shown the respect they were due, neither in life nor in death. The university is committed to moving forward in a manner reflecting the dignity that should be accorded these individuals and has created the East Marshall Street Well Project to facilitate a process with the community that ensures the remains receive appropriate study, memorialization and reburial.
Recommendations
Representatives of the descendant community have put forth recommendations to support appropriate research, memorialization and interment of the individuals whose remains were discovered on the MCV campus.
Memorialization and interment
See the latest steps taken to memorialize and inter the individuals whose remains were discovered in the East Marshall Street Well.
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Research
Follow the progress of researchers as they study the human remains and artifacts discovered in the East Marshall Street Well.
Community Engagement
The EMSW Project seeks to reinvigorate community and VCU faculty involvement in public education, community research and ongoing public communication around the history of structural and medical racism.
Events
EMSW community update
June 3
Join VCU and fellow community members for an update on the East Marshall Street Well Project.