About this project

This project first started when I took a magazine writing class in the Fall of 2019 with professor Carlene Hempel. I was looking on Twitter for a historian to profile for one of my assignments when I came across an article on the MetFern Cemetery. This then led me to Alex Green, a local disability historian who has been researching the lives of those buried in the cemetery for the past five years. I became increasingly fascinated and horrified the more that I learned about MetFern, Fernald and MetState, and so my profile evolved into my final class project. By the end of the semester, I still felt as if there was more to the story –– I needed more time to explore the nuances of these institutions' complicated history and how they fit into the larger fabric of American society. I decided to continue on with this as an Honors in the Discipline research project starting in January 2020 under the supervision and advisement of Carlene Hempel.

The histories of these institutions and the experiences of those who lived within their walls has opened my eyes to an underlooked part of American history. Working on this story has irrevocably changed and shaped my perception of American society and history –– this will stay with me for a very long time, both as a journalist and as a person. I hope the work I have done will bring some measure of dignity and justice to those buried under unnamed graves.

I would like to thank my advisor Carlene, to whom I am eternally grateful. All of our late-night texts and weekly meetings have pushed me to become a better journalist and have ensured that this story was reported and presented to the best of my ability. I would also like to thank Szu Yu Chen, who is responsible for the design and development of this website. Without her, I would be lost in a sea of code. My many thanks to all those who agreed to speak with me and share their stories during this six-month process. I am blown away and humbled by your compassion and willingness to share your experiences.

On the Fernald campus.