PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Remains of caskets and some bone fragments were found along a construction site on Temple University’s campus.
The discovery was made as crews prepped work at a construction site on North Broad Street across from Polett Walk. According to the university, this is not an unexpected find.
The site, the university explained, occupies a portion of the former Monument Cemetery, 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 in Montgomery County.
Per protocol, crews who found the remains immediately stopped working. The school then notified the Philadelphia Coroner’s Office, medical examiner, an archeologist and law enforcement.
“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,” the university said.
Temple is building a new facility for the Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts. It’s expected to open in 2027.