When four new skeletons were discovered underneath an old church in Jamestown, Virginia six years ago, researchers knew the bones must have belonged to important people. Burials in the church were typically reserved for high-status individuals. Now, with help from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, they believe they know who the bones belonged to.

I tagged along with NPR’s Chris Joyce last summer to photograph the bones and talk to forensic anthropologist Doug Owsley at the SMNH. It was incredible to wind through the under belly of the museum and see the small rooms where forensic research is done. I’ve always been fascinated by how much you can learn from studying small variations in bone — everything from someone’s diet, to their overall health, and even in some cases, their occupation. (In 2013, the Smithsonian had a forensic exhibit of 17th century bones from colonies in Maryland and Virginia. One skeleton had a thigh bone that had been worn down by repeated trauma — a sign, the exhibit said, that this person could have possibly been a shoe peddler.)

I think that might be why I find this field so interesting: forensic anthropology is storytelling starting from the end.

You can see the full NPR story here, including some incredible 360-degree views of the skeletons in the church where they were discovered. And a mysterious box found with one of the men.

 

 

Last week I drove to South Carolina for a wedding. I go a few times a year– Lew grew up there and his family still lives near Myrtle Beach.  It’s a strange place, the south. It feels wild but familiar. Maybe I’ve lived in the city too long.