GPR survey of Poor Farm area reveals 15-20 possible burial sites

BROWN COUNTY – Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach and UW-Oshkosh Anthropologist Dr. Jordan Karsten provided a public update on a Brown County initiative to do a targeted GPR (ground-penetrating radar) survey of a part of the old Poor Farm area.

The survey comes after “neighborhood residents consistently requested that additional investigation be completed before decisions were made that could affect this historically and sensitive area,” a media release from the Schmitt Park Neighborhood Association and the Schmitt Park United Residents said.

“This was never about opposing respectful progress or using history to obstruct a particular project,” said Hans O. Christensen, President of the Schmitt Park Neighborhood Association and Chair of Schmitt Park United Residents. “It was about ensuring that people buried without enduring markers, many of whom were among the most vulnerable members of our community, were not forgotten or inadvertently disturbed. The findings demonstrate why residents continued asking for a more complete examination.”

Karsten, an expert in the field of forensic anthropology, spent the last several months surveying part of the county-owned property to help determine where markers for the likely grave sites may need to go.

“Treating that location respectfully is important for the dignity of those people who are buried on top of this hill,” said Karsten.

Karsten explained that the GPR technology enabled him to look at where something is buried, determine how deep it is, what shape it is and ultimately decide if he believed that the burial is human, animal or other artifacts.

“To identify and honor grave sites from a century ago on Brown County property is to acknowledge that every life leaves a legacy worthy of remembrance, and that respect begins with ensuring those resting places are never forgotten,” said Streckenbach. “By documenting where former residents of the Poor Farm rest, we preserve both their memory and our shared history.”

Brown County will receive a report from Dr. Karsten in the coming weeks. The report will also be provided to the Wisconsin Historical Society, who will assist in determining next steps.

“The individuals buried there may no longer have visible markers or relatives present to advocate for them,” Christensen said. “That places a greater responsibility on public institutions and the surrounding community to ensure that their final resting place is accurately identified, legally protected and treated with dignity.”