Project History
The following list of chronologically ordered projects is, by no means complete, but represents some of the more interesting projects conducted over the years. Those that have been included are intended to represent the breadth of capabilities and work product offered by HAR personnel.
1993-94
Phase I and II reconnaissance of the 1805-1808 Shawnee village, Prophetstown, in Darke County Ohio near Greenville. After conventional archaeological survey techniques failed to locate any artifacts associated with the Shawnee occupation, HAR personnel were contracted to perform an intensive metal detection reconnaissance of this 105 acre parcel.
1994
Phase I and II intensive archaeological investigation of the proposed Shawnee Springs Housing Development near Springfield in Clark County, Ohio. (Battle of Pickaway) A tripartite scheme of visual reconnaissance, electronic detection and mechanical test trenching was employed to ascertain whether or not parts of the Shawnee Indian village and 1780 battle site extended into properties intended for development. Ground Penetrating Radar was utilized in an attempt to find evidence of intact archaeological features and burials.
1995
1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers project. HAR contracted with Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor,Inc. and Heidelberg College Director of Anthropology, G. Michael Pratt Ph.D., to supervise an intensive metal detection survey and to record all artifact position data by GPS for presentation and analysis in a GIS software environment. The Fallen Timbers battlefield is in Lucas County near Maumee, Ohio. Seven subsequent surveys of this and adjacent properties were undertaken during 1996-2000. This site is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been granted affiliated status with the National Park Service.
1997-98
Acting under the auspices of the Toledo, Ohio firm, Midwest Environmental Consultants, Inc, HAR performed GPS survey of over 400 prehistoric and historic sites on military installations in both Indiana and Ohio. More than 12,000 acres were examined by MEC during these projects. HAR prepared site coordinate data and map presentations for analysis in ArcView GIS.
1999
The 1782 Battle of Sandusky (Crawford's Defeat) near Upper Sandusky, Ohio. HAR cooperated with Heidelberg College to perform a preliminary metal detection reconnaissance of properties thought to be the location of Crawford's Defeat. The survey would attempt to locate and delineate the battle site by recovering military and civilian artifacts that may have been associated with this event.
1999
The Buffington Island Battlefield Archaeological Project was funded through a grant by the American Battlefield Protection Program ABPP and received matching funds from co-sponsor Heidelberg College. HAR was contracted to supervise an intensive metal detection reconnaissance in order to locate key positions on this 1863 battlefield. HAR personnel were responsible for sub-meter GPS survey of artifact locations and subsequent GIS study, as well as, field identification of excavated military and civilian artifacts.
1999
HAR team members cooperated with the Center for Historic and Military Archaeology to direct an intensive metal detection reconnaissance and limited sub-surface testing of Fort Laurens (1778-1789), the only fort built in Ohio during the American Revolution. Site survey data was recorded by GPS and prepared for presentation using GIS cartographic and database analysis techniques. The Fort Laurens State Memorial, located in Tuscarawas county near Bolivar, Ohio, is maintained by the Ohio Historical Society.
2000
The Ohio Historical Society contracted HAR to conduct non-invasive, remote sensing survey of the Fort Meigs State Memorial, a reconstruction of an early 19th century military installation, in Wood county, Perrysburg, Ohio. Geophysical survey techniques with a Geonics EM 38 ground conductivity system were utilized to map sub-surface anomalies in potentially significant areas prior to planned renovation and construction of new Museum facilities within the 65-acre park.
2000
HAR contracted with Dr. David Bush, Heidelberg Center for Historic and Military Archaeology (CHMA), to conduct an electromagnetic conductivity survey and subsurface mapping of the Johnson Island POW cemetery near Sandusky, Ohio.
2000
The Knox County Cemetery Commission (KCCC) hired HAR to assist in the delineation and mapping of a number of threatened pioneer cemeteries in Knox County, Indiana.
2001
HAR remote sensing technicians and metal detection specialists contracted to carry out an Electromagnetic Conductivity (EMC) survey and intensive metal detection reconnaissance of an 1814 battlefield and mass burial site at the Wawashkamo Golf Course on Mackinac Island, Michigan. HAR personnel were also responsible for field identification of recovered artifacts, precision site grid placement with total station, submeter accuracy GPS survey of recovered artifacts, and for designing AutoCAD and ArcView GIS site maps that depict this work.
2002-03
HAR was employed full-time by Landmark Archaeological & Environmental Services to assist with the I-69 Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study. Responsibilities during this 17-month period included development of a series of spatial data sets within a Geographic Information System (GIS) program environment; and both historic and prehistoric archaeological site probability models to be used in the analysis of more than 2500 sq. miles of proposed alternative highway routes spanning 20 southwestern Indiana counties. The study involved extensive use of georeferenced data layers and ArcView GIS with the Spatial Analyst and Model Builder extensions.
2004
HAR was contracted to assist in the restoration project underway on five abandoned Bartholomew County, Indiana cemeteries. Efforts to locate and accurately map cemetery features, unmarked graves and buried stone markers were carried out in conjunction with monument restorations by Mark Davis, Stone Saver Cemetery Restoration and Helen Wildermuth, owner of Stonehugger Cemetery Restoration, Inc. two Indiana companies that specialize in pioneer cemetery restoration and preservation.
2004
HAR assisted the Center for Historic Military and Archaeology (CHMA); Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio with an intensive metal detection reconnaissance of a proposed construction area in the Clark County Park near Springfield, Ohio. The park intends to extend its interpretive center with a walking trail and authentic Shawnee cabin.
2004
The Knox County Cemetery Commission contracted with HAR to complete the ongoing GPS survey and GIS mapping of fourty-one threatened cemetery sites in Knox County, Indiana, During the course of this work, HAR personnel discovered and reported significant damage to an important pioneer cemetery and early Indiana church site.
2004
Electromagnetic sensing methods, EMC and VLF metal detection, were used to delineate the location of an early 19th century cabin site near the Historic Sauder Village complex in Archibold, Ohio. HAR collaborated with the CHMA and assisted in the identification of multiple discrete areas for further archaeological investigation and excavation.
2004
HAR technicians created a digital map of the remains and earthen walls of Fort Miamis, an 18th century British fort in Maumee, Ohio. High resolution survey and mapping methods were to create a topographic map of the existing park and what remains of the fort's features.
2005
HAR assisted the Lucas County Coroner's office in the delineation of an umarked mid-19th century cemetery in Maumee, Ohio. The accidental discovery of human remains during construction prompted additional investigation efforts.
2005
HAR personnel directed geophysical investigations and site mapping of an early 19th century cemetery in Monroe, Michigan. The project utilized metal detection/magnetometry; Electromagnetic Conductivity (EMC) measurement techniques; and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to identify unmarked burials within the project area. A site map depicting all surface features was created using an electronic total station and CAD. The results of the noninvasive study and accompanying surface feature site map were used by project managers to avoid sensitive areas during renovations of the surrounding property.
2005
Subsurface imaging of a late 18th century cabin site in Oldham County, near Goshen, Kentucky. Intensive metal detection survey in conjunction with both EMC and GPR investigations identified the apparent extent of the cabin site, as well as, a number of unidentified subsurface features. Further work was undertaken in 2006.
2005
The Oak Ridge Cemetery Association, Brown County, Indiana contracted HAR to create a comprehensive site map depicting more than 400 cemetery features, as well as, noninvasive subsurface imaging to identify unmarked burials in sections of the cemetery.
2005
HAR cooperated with the Illinois State Museum Society in reconnaissance of three homestead/farm sites within Fort Leonard Wood, MO. HAR provided personnel for controlled metal detection survey designed to enhance conventional archaeological investigations.
2005
Floyd County Surveyor, Bill Gibson, contracted HAR to undertake a review of historical literature depicting the Floyd County Infirmary (Poor Farm) premises within the New Albany-Floyd County Park on Grant Line Road in New Albany, Indiana. This study was initiated in advance of demolition and construction near the Floyd County Infirmary structure where the possibility of unmarked graves had been rumored.
2006
Cicero Township Trustee, Paul Weismiller, contracted HAR to survey and map two 19th century cemeteries in Tipton County, Indiana. Precision total station survey was employed to create CAD site maps depicting all extant surface features. Readings from all monuments have been integrated with the site maps permitting an accurate inventory and assessment of both properties. Future geophysical investigation and subsurface imaging work on these sites will be undertaken in the future to determine areas for potential cemetery use.
2006
Comprehensive survey and mapping in conjunction with a muti-faceted electronic survey of two Perry Township cemeteries will permit cemetery stewards to reactivate and utilize these 19th century cemetery properties. HAR personnel surveyed and created accurate CAD drawings of both Tippecanoe County, Indiana sites using a Nikon total station. A database of monument readings has been incorporated; site maps and inventory data were created in both electronic and paper formats. Following the intitial mapping stage, each cemetery was subjected to intensive electromagnetic survey and subsurface imaging utilizing both EMC and GPR technologies to identify vacant areas within the properties. Standard size plots within vacant areas were then surveyed and marked for future sale and use.
2006
Test excavations to ground truth EMC and GPR data previously collected on a late 18th century cabin site near Goshen, Kentucky will provide investigators with additional information about the integrity of the site. The cabin, thought to have been built in about 1796, burned to the ground in 1847. Subsurface images indicate near surface areas of disturbance throughout the site and limited excavation units confirmed this.
2006
St. John's Cemetery Delineation Project, Dearborn County, Indiana. As part of a church facility expansion designed to take place near an existing 19th century cemetery, property managers were required by Indiana law to identify the extent of the site before ground breaking could commence. HAR first conducted noninvasive subsurface investigation of the peripheral areas of the cemetery, followed by careful mechanical excavation to remove topsoil and safely reveal grave shaft intrusions into the soil substrate without disturbance of human remains. The boundaries of the cemetery that fell within proposed construction areas were unequivocally delimited in this manner.
2007
19th century cemetery reactivation project. HAR personnel conducted noninvasive geophysical investigations within existing boundaries of the Stewart and Sumner cemeteries in Cicero Township, Tipton County Indiana. Apparently vacant areas of both cemetery sites were subjected to subsurface imaging study and classified for potential use. New cemetery plots were designed to permit access by funeral directors using modern mechanical excavators. Areas determined to be vacant during this phase of the work were surveyed, staked out and added to the respective cemetery schematic maps, with electronic documentation for future use by cemetery managers.
2007
Cooperation with Landmark Archaeological & Environmental Services; on the Phase Ic Archaeological Field Reconnaissance: Proposed Water System Improvement Project for the Town of Santa Claus, Spencer County, Indiana. HAR carried out precision GPS survey and mapping of (205) Phase Ic trenches along a narrow 2.5 mile proposed corridor. HAR personnel also provided GIS analysis and presentation graphic support for Landmark's final report.
2007-08
Assisted Landmark Archaeological & Environmental Services with GIS thematic analysis and site documentation support for the proposed right-of-way of the US 231 Jasper-Huntingburg Bypass in Dubois County, Indiana. Electromagnetic Conductivity (EMC) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technologies were utilized as enhancements to hand and machine excavations on two sites with potential for buried archaeological features.
2008
HAR personnel conducted GPR and EMC subsurface survey of two cemeteries in Hamilton County, Indiana. Both cemetery sites exist near the planned widening of a county road. Survey and mapping of areas adjacent to the right-of-way was undertaken in conjunction with subsusurface imaging in an effort to ensure that no unmarked graves would be disturbed during planned road construction.
2008
GPR subsurface imaging survey of a small pioneer cemetery in Oldham County, Kentucky. This study successfully located the evacuated graves of two persons that had been disinterred and reburied elsewhere. Several other unmarked grave locations were identified in the process.
2009
Site mapping and database integration of a 1.1 acre cemetery for the Mill Township Trustee, in Gas City, Indiana. Utilizing an electronic total survey station and CAD software, HAR created a detailed site map depicting all monuments and surface features. The detailed map of this property will be used for future management and maintenance of this cemetery.
2009
Following comprehensive survey and mapping of a mid-19th century cemetery in Lake Zurich, Illinois, HAR technicians conducted noninvasive GPR investigations and subsequently classified vacant areas for future sale and use. Use of existing site maps and documentation permitted investigators to determine areas with potential vacancies, and to subject designated areas to a subsurface imaging survey strategy. Lot identifiers were added throughout the cemetery and the database of known interments was significantly enhanced during this study.
2009
Technical support and consultation with Landmark Archaeological & Environmental Services during extensive report preparation of the US 231 Jasper-Huntingburg Bypass project in Dubois County, Indiana. HAR provided GIS thematic analysis and site documentation support including detailed maps illustrating Dubois County soils interpretations, Phase Ic and Phase II site specific mapping utilizing USGS base maps and aerial images, as well as, custom vector maps and illustrations designed to Landmark's standards.
2009
HAR carried out GPR survey of two Adams County cemeteries near Berne, Indiana. Vacant areas were identified in both cemeteries and new grave plots were delineated and marked for future use by the Wabash Township Trustee.
2009
Historic Archaeological Research was contracted by Heidelberg College to assist in a project funded by the National Park Service, American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP). This fieldwork was designed as a public participation archaeological project intended to investigate four peripheral areas of the 1813 River Raisin Battlefield in Monroe, Michigan.
HAR personnel were responsible for the following: 1.) Site survey that consisted of creation and stakeout of discrete 10-meter grid systems within the four previously determined areas of interest. 2.) Geographic Information System site mapping and integration with prior digital work product associated with this NPS site; and 3.) Supervision of the volunteer metal detection workforce that was utilized on this project.
2010
Site survey, mapping and subsurface imaging carried out by HAR technicians will assist the Tanglewood Cemetery Association with future use of an older section of the Tanglewood Baptist Church Cemetery in Ripley County, Indiana.
2010
HAR carried out comprehensive electronic survey and site map creation of the mid 19th and early 20th century section of the Concord Cemetery in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The location of more than 400 monuments, gravestones and plot markers have been accurately determined and illustrated using CAD software. Data taken from all readable features was recorded and compared with a database compiled in 1965. This study will assist cemetery managers with future maintenance and or restoration in this part of the Concord cemetery. A subsurface imaging study using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to identify discrete disturbed areas with unmarked graves was undertaken in apparently unoccupied areas throughout the 1-acre section of the cemetery. Areas found to be vacant during this stage of work have been delineated and/or staked out for future cemetery use.
2011
The Farmer's Institute Cemetery Association contracted with HAR to undertake survey, mapping and documentation of a 19th century Quaker cemetery in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.The oldest section of the cemetery is badly damaged with many displaced, missing or broken gravestones. Non-invasive subsurface imaging was carried out in discrete areas of the property where damage to older cemetery monuments is prevalent. A circa 1912 survey and stakeout of lots provided investigators with a base map of the cemetery as it existed in the early 20th century. This early map of the property was digitized and its accuracy verified by locating a series of lot corner markers set by the 1912 surveyor. This 99 year old map was prepared in CAD for use as a layer in the site map of current conditions. All extant surface features including altered driveway courses, trees, aisle ways, signs, drainage tiles, monuments, plot markers, etc. were surveyed and added to a 2011 map of the property. The Farmer's Institute Cemetery Association also annexed additional property along the western terminus of the property. HAR personnel surveyed and staked out new lots for future sale and use in this area.
2011
HAR technicians assisted Accidental Discoveries, LLC with electronic survey and site mapping of a Phase II archaeological investigation at Lock 47 of the Wabash and Erie Canal in Vigo County, Indiana.
2011
Subsurface imaging utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in the Walnut Creek Cemetery in Gas City, Indiana identified and confirmed vacant areas for future sale by the Office of the Mill Township Trustee. Twenty-one apparently vacant areas of the cemetery that were previously identified with potential for use during a 2009 study were thoroughly investigated. Ten lots consisting of (50) new grave units were created and added to the Walnut Creek cemetery inventory.
2011
HAR cooperated with a team consisting of cemetery restoration personnel and archaeologists to delineate the extents of a badly disturbed and vandalized cemetery for Columbus Utility Services, in Bartholomew County, Indiana. The cemetery was discovered during plans for use of the property as a borrow for fill. The small family cemetery was abandoned in the latter part of the 19th century, and had fallen into ruin before additional damage by livestock and vandals nearly obliterated it completely. The hilltop location was overgrown with broken stone grave markers strewn about; many some distance from the original burial place. The entire hilltop site was clear cut, and all surface features surveyed and mapped. After preliminary subsurface imaging with GPR was inconclusive, systematic near surface topsoil removal was undertaken in the peripheral margins of the site to determine the outside extents of the cemetery. Construction of a fence is planned to identify the cemetery boundaries and prevent further damage to the cemetery and remaining monuments.
2012
Cooperation with cemetery restoration personnel in the assessment of a mismarked cemetery on the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Martin County, Indiana. A cemetery monument was found within a dump area necessitating further investigation to determine the potential presence of human burials. A VLF metal detector and magnetometer were used to assist with the removal of surface and near surface metal debris found among other rubbish and demolition materials. Following the surface preparation and clearing of a 400 sq' area, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey was conducted in a grid pattern at 1' intervals to identify any subsurface disturbances.
2012
Non invasive investigation to identify buried features on portions of a Montgomery County, Indiana farm. The intensive study included survey of approximately 3/4 acre at 2' intervals using multiple electronic technologies. Subsurface imaging with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), as well as, TR, VLF and Pulse Induction metal detection were utilized to systematically analyze the property identifying all subsurface features and areas consisting of metal artifact concentrations.
2012
Survey and stakeout delineating the extents of the 2.2 acre annex to the Concord cemetery in southern Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Preliminary design of proposed lot layout to include a road connecting the new and old sections of the cemetery.
2013
Design and construction of a new 1/2 acre section annexed to the Union Cemetery in Kosciusko County, near Syracuse, Indiana. Using CAD software, the annex was designed to the specifications of the Turkey Creek Township Trustee, Mrs. Barbara Griffith. New lots and pathways were surveyed with a Nikon electronic total station and delineated with 3.5" diameter stainless steel plot markers.
2013
Nononvasive subsurface imaging to identify the potential for clandestine slave burials outside the perimeter of a small Owen County, Kentucky cemetery. Preliminary investigation using VLF and magnetometer metal detection revealed dense concentrations of metallic trash. GPR data collected in this area was therefore inconclusive.
2013-14
Redesign and completion of the Concord Cemetery annex. Stakeout and installation of lot markers.
2014
HAR assisted Accidental Discoveries, LLC with Location of an umarked grave in the Logansport State Mental Hospital cemetery in Logansport, Indiana. The general area where this individual had been buried was known; however, the exact location was needed for disinterment without disturbing any nearby burials. Technicians utlized GPR to reveal the location. The remains were exhumed, identified by the County Coroner and reburied at another cemetery.
2014-15
Comprehensive electronic survey, documentation and mapping of the Americus Cemetery in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The location of all monuments, and plot markers have been accurately determined and illustrated using CAD software. Data taken from all readable features was recorded and compared with an existing database. A subsurface imaging study using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to identify disturbed areas with unmarked graves was undertaken in apparently vacant areas found throughout the cemetery. Areas found to be undisturbed have been added to the site map and staked out for future cemetery use.
2015
Design, survey and stakeout of an annex to the Cobblestone Cemetery in Walworth, Wisconsin. HAR also created the site map and an electronc database for recording future interments.
2015
HAR conducted a comprehensive subsurface imaging study of vacant areas within the boundaries of the Lutheran Cemetery near Porterfield, Wisconsin. Design and stakeout of lots was completed in the vacant area within this property, and was added to a site map depicting both the newly created and previously utilized sections of the cemetery. Several personnel reported a paranormal experience while working on this site.
2015
HAR contracted with the City of St. Mary's Ohio to conduct a multi-faceted electronic survey designed to identify and delineate unmarked soldier graves associated with the 1794-96 military occupation of Fort St. Mary’s. The area of interest was approximately ½ acre area of Geiger Park in St. Mary's, Ohio. A preliminary metal detection reconnaissance using handheld magnetometers and VLF metal detectors was undertaken at 1-meter intervals to identify the presence and location of any buried metal features or near surface metal artifacts, and to determine subsurface imaging (GPR) feasibility. When much of the area was found to consist almost entirely of large metalic and other demoltion debris, thus rendering a subsurface imaging inadvisable, a systematic mechanical stripping of the area was carried out. Trenches were situated so as to intersect a portion of the anticipated cemetery regardless of its location on the property. No human remains were subsequently found.
2016
2016 HAR contracted with the Cloverdale Cemetery Association to create digital documentation and accurate site maps from existing paper records. The first stages of conversion are complete. Additional digitizing and documentation to be accomplished in the future.
2016
Research Project: ArcView GIS and the Spatial Analyst extension were used to create a predictive model of prehistoric archaeological sites along the White and Muskatatuck Rivers in Jackson County, Indiana.
2016-17
Background research to identify the location of a 1780 blockhouse fort and cabin site near Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky. Research is ongoing.
2017
Comprehensive survey, mapping and digital record creation of the Knightridge Cemetery for the Salt Creek Township Trustee, Monroe County, Indiana. A precision map of more than 1500 monuments, markers and surface features on the property, as well as, digital documentation of all visible and presumed interments have been created. Subsurface imaging with GPR in apparently vacant areas to determine the feasibility of future cemetery use was also undertaken.
2017
Mount Ebal Cemetery, Monroe County, Indiana. GPR investigation of discrete areas specified by the Clear Creek Township Trustee to ensure that future use of these areas would not disturb human remains.
2017
Miller Cemetery. Intensive investigations of a mid 19th century cemetery near Shipshewana in Lagrange County, Indiana. Previous difficulties to accurately document this cemetery were evidently caused by wandering or converging rows of monuments and inexact burial practices, primarliy in the older section of the property. To address these issues, all visible surface features were surveyed, row and numbering sequences were corrected and accurate documentation of all visible monuments was undertaken to create a 2017 record. Existing records were also scrutinized and corrected where applicable. Vacant areas within the cemetery were investigated first with a magnetometer and pulse induction metal detector, and finally with GPR to identify utilized and vacant areas on the property.
2017
Studebaker Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. Location of an unmarked grave for the office of the Wabash Township Trustee.
2017
North Lawn Cemetery, Hendricks County, Indiana. Design and stake out of an annex to the property was undertaken for the Washington Township Trustee. Vacant areas on the premises were carefully investigated non-invasively using a thorough metal detection strategy followed by subsurface imaging with GPR to prove that the new lots intended were sutiable for future cemetery use. Lot corners were delimited with metal markers. The annex design allows for adequate access by mechanical excavation equipment and funeral vehicles with latitude for expansion as the cemetery is fully occupied.
2017
The Ohio Township Trustee contracted HAR to design and stake out new lots in a vacant area of the Sweeney Cemetery in Bartholomew County, Indiana. The area of interest was carefully investigated non-invasively relying on a thorough metal detection strategy using both magnetometery and VLF instruments, followed by subsurface imaging with GPR to confirm that new lots were suitable for future cemetery use. Lot corners were identified with 3.5" diameter stainless steel markers. The design provides for adequate access by mechanical excavation equipment and funeral vehicles.
2017
Mapping and documentation of the Salt Creek Cemetery in Monroe County, Indiana. The Salt Creek Trustee contracted with HAR to record all visible surface features, create an accurate up to date site map, and to correct any inaccurate documentation of all visible monuments and surface feastures. Lot corners, as specified in the original Salt Creek Cemetery schematic drawing, were not delimited by an means. The original design of this cemetery also did not take into consideration the need for mechanical excavation equipment access. Narrow 3' blacktop aisle ways are overgrown and disintegrating; many are no longer visible. This has created multiple issues with accurate location of purchased grave plots within designated lots. HAR personnel installed stainless steel lot corner markers, in as many lots as was feasible, enabling the trustee to accurately identify new grave plots as necessary.
2017-2018
Stage 1: London Cemetery, Shelby County, Indiana. Design and stake out of new lots in the north end of the cemetery property was contracted by the Moral Township Trustee. The northernmost area of this property has very few older monuments and several visible depressions indicating unmarked burials; however, anecdotal information suggested that this section of the property may have been used more extensively for indigient burials that today remain unmarked. Stage 1 set out to establish extensions of existing rows into the easternmost area of the north section with new lots conforming with the existing cemetery layout. Vacant areas were investigated non-invasively using intensive metal detection methodology. Subsurface imaging with GPR ensured that all lots designated for future use would be situated so as to not disturb existing graves.
Stage 2 will complete the project with similar investigation methods and establishment of new lots within the western area of the north section during 2018.
2018
The Perfect Family Cemetery. At the request of Mr. Clyde Perfect, HAR was contracted to design and stake out a ¼ acre family cemetery at his home in Dearborn County, near Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The family cemetery was designed to include (9) 20' x 20' lots each consisting of (10) 4' x 10' plots for a capacity of (90) future interments; 8' aisleways providing adequate access for mechanical excavation equipment and funeral personnel; as well as, a gated fence. (cemetery map).
HAR has been responsible for several new cemetery design and layout projects including additions and annexes to existing cemetery properties.
2018-2019
HAR cooperated with property managers to conduct various levels of survey and documentation of potential archaeological sites, as well as, noninvasive subsurface investigations of 19th and early 20th century cemeteries in Boone, Bartholomew, Dearborn, Floyd, Franklin, Jasper, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Newton, Posey, Shelby and Vermillion counties in Indiana; and in Vermillion County, Illinois.
2020
After numerous delays while complying with Covid-19 pandemic health and travel constraints, HAR was able to complete cemetery delineation and mapping projects in Franklin, Pulaski, Shelby, Tippecanoe and Warrick counties in Indiana; in addition to, precision survey, stakeout and subsurface imaging with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) of a large cemetery property in Greene County, Ohio. The first phase of background research on an early 19th century cabin site in Shelby County, Kentucky was also undertaken.
2021
The 2021 field survey season began in earnest after severe Spring rains and flooding caused several delays. HAR was able to complete two cemetery delineation and site mapping projects in Decatur County, Indiana; one of which was a large property requiring documentation, accurate site maps of several sections, and discrete area GPR investigation. The second cemetery added a series of lots for future sale and use after geophysical survey determined the premises to be vacant.
Other Indiana projects involved documentation, mapping, GPR and annex creation of cemeteries in Noble and Dearborn counties, and the subsurface investigation of an historic 19th century home site in Marion County. A project to create, survey and install an annex to a pioneer cemetery in Adams County was begun in 2021 and will be completed in early 2022.
2021
GPR investigation and confirmation of an infringed upon family lot in a Clinton County, Kentucky cemetery provided the lot owner with evidence to resolve the issue.
Preliminary site mapping was accomplished on two mid 19th century cabin sites in Shelby and Owen counties in Kentucky.
2022
HAR got off to a late start on the 2022 season after Covid-19 illness and a reduction in workforce due to retirement. Nevertheless, the year got underway with survey, stakeout, subsurface imaging, documentation, and reactivation of pioneer cemetery properties in Adams and Brown Counties. Several other smaller cemetery delineation projects were undertaken in Ripley, Franklin, and Boone Counties in Indiana.
During the summer, we began a series of comprehensive studies for the Wea Township Trustee in Tippecanoe County with the Spring Grove Cemetery. This property consists of an older mid-19th century graveyard and an area where the church once stood that is currently used for contemporary interments. Both of these areas were surveyed and documented. Lot/plot markers were installed to assist cemetery managers with current burials. An annex to the vacant eastern area of the property was created with (20) new lots consisting of (200) plots now available for sale and use.
HAR personnel also assisted with recovery efforts in north-central Kentucky on a private construction project within a Civil War period military encampment. The first stages of research and site mapping were begun on an 18th century blockhouse fort in Shelby County, Kentucky.
2023
Pioneer cemetery documentation, mapping and reactivation projects were undertaken in Bartholomew, Brown, Dearborn, Franklin, Monroe, Pulaski, Tippecanoe and Vanderburg counties. Subsurface imaging fieldwork will continue in Pulaski and Tippecanoe counties as soon as weather permits in 2024.
Among the cemeteries that have been completed entirely this year, a total of (558) new grave units have been identified, mapped and made available for future sale and use. The ability to reacivate and safely sell plots for contemporary burials will create much needed revenue for perpetual care.
During the late Fall, HAR personnel will begin the first stages of research and site delineation of a turn-of-the-century era rural gathering place and picinc grove in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
2024
During 2024, several cemetery projects were completed in Indiana including:
Pulaski County- Final stages of mapping, documentation, and subsurface imaging were completed at the Mount Zion Cemetery in Franklin Township near Winamac. A total of (80) new plots were created providing revenue for ongoing perpetual care of the property.
Tippecanoe County- Clearance for future sales and use of a number of discrete areas within the Pretty Prairie Cemetery near Battleground. Enigmatic vacant areas in older cemeteries is always a concern. Understanding previous use of apparently vacant lots within older cemeteries is essential to competent site management.
Posey County- Intensive survey of the perimeter of a small family cemetery near Mount Vernon to ensure that no graves exist outside the boundary fence, an area that is currently under agricultural use.
As the last remaining principal of HAR, I am winding down and nearing the time to join my former partners in semi-retirement. Two 2024 cemetery projects were necessarily held over to the Spring of 2025; however, it is my intention to pass on this kind of work to competent colleagues in the future while I pursue other interests in historical archaeology.
Note:
The project entries above demonstrate some of the various facets of archaeological investigation that HAR personnel are capable of and may provide in a timely manner. Whether your project involves state or federally mandated compliance measures or requires comprehensive mapping and intensive subsurface study, HAR can assess your needs and provide expedited cost effective services to better understand and utilize the properties under your control.
This page is updated infrequently. Please check back periodically and more recent HAR projects will be added.
