The City of Tulsa will conduct a two-day test excavation as part of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation with the University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma Archaeological Survey (OAS) and Cardno, on Thurs., July 13 and Fri., July 14 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1133 E. 11th St.
Team members will conduct limited testing in the eastern area adjacent to the original excavation site to help identify the origin of a geophysical anomaly that will help assess where future excavations will be conducted. A summary briefing will be compiled after the completion of the test excavations, and the results will be incorporated into a technical report that will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Test excavations help experts determine the presence or absence of human remains, determine the nature of the interments, and obtain data to help inform future steps in the investigation, including future excavation and recovery efforts. This particular mechanical test excavation will slowly and carefully remove the top layers of soil at the targeted area so experts can make their technical determinations. Heavy equipment is expected to be delivered to Oaklawn Cemetery on Wed., July 12 and the test excavation will occur on Thurs., July 13 and Fri., July 14, beginning at approximately 7 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m.
Oaklawn Cemetery will be closed to the public from Wed., July 12 – Fri., July 14 for the test excavation.
Guidelines During the Test Excavation:
- Oaklawn Cemetery will be closed to the public during the test excavation.
- Media and the general public wishing to view the test excavation will have the best vantage point on the trail area west of the Cemetery during business hours. Only approved personnel will be allowed inside Oaklawn Cemetery.
- Parking will not be available inside Oaklawn Cemetery. On-street parking should be utilized in the nearby residential neighborhood across 11th St. from the cemetery on S. Norfolk Ave.
- Photography/video of human remains is strictly prohibited, and no overhead cameras or drones will be allowed.
- It’s important that researchers be able to conduct the test excavation without interruption.
- A media update will be provided once the analysis is complete for the upcoming excavation.
Original source can be found here.
