Layers of History: Discoveries in the East Providence Cemetery

Part of Rhode Island’s Archeology Month, this engaging talk by by Craig Chartier shares discoveries from the former East Providence Cemetery, a private cemetery established in 1887 and used until the 1930s. After decades of neglect, the Town of East Providence ordered the remains removed and reburied elsewhere. 

In 2013, the current owner brought in Plymouth Colony Archaeology to conduct an extensive archaeological investigation of the site. Techniques including ground penetrating radar, test trenching, and large scale stripping, combined with historical documents, revealed fascinating stories and created life histories for each of the identified burials.