Guide to the Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals cemetery project records (2009-31)

Series 1. Corrrespondence
Box 1, Folder 1-3
Primarily copies of correspondence from state and local agencies such as the Department of Transportation, DOA Statewide Planning, DOH Office of the Medical Examiner, RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission, the City of Cranston, and the Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals as well as the Public Archaeology Lab (PAL). The correspondence concerns the removal, examination and re-interment of remains uncovered at the Route 37 right-of-way near Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, Rhode Island. Also includes copies of correspondence concerning the discovery and transfer/relocation of human remains discovered at the Howard Industrial Park in Cranston in 1974. Includes copies of clippings and labeled as "Cemetery 3."

Series 2. Site Alteration Plan
Box 1, Folder 4
Copy of Site alteration plan of the State Farm Cemetery located at the Route 37 right-of-way near Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, Rhode Island. This is a request for permit to remove human remains prepared in accordance with ordinance No. 2000-42 presented by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the Cranston City Council August 28, 2006. Includes portion of technical memorandum/report of the Public Archaeology Lab (PAL) regarding the recovery of human remains. Includes copies of maps, plans and photographs.

Series 3. Photographs
Box 1, Folder 5
18 Color and black and white photographs of the Howard Reservation in Cranston as well as of Cranston historical cemetery #51. Also includes images of human remains recovered and aerial views. Color photographs are 4x6 prints. Black and white images are 8 ¾ x 9 and 8x10 as well. Other images are photocopies of photographs.

Series 4. Maps
Box 1, Folder 6
Photocopies of maps of the State Farm cemeteries in Cranston (1885 and 1935) and the Howard Industrial Park Complex (1975). Includes a map of the state institutions in Cranston (RIGIS 1990) and a list of prisoners buried in the State Prison Cemetery (1880-1914)

Series 5. Media Releases
Box 1, Folder 7
Photocopies of media releases, informational materials and clippings regarding efforts to document the re-burial of human remains unearthed at the Route 37 right-of-way near Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Series 6. Booklet
Box 1, Folder 8
Booklet of the dedication and re-interment of Civil War Veteran Pvt. Michael McElroy of the 2nd Regiment Rhode Island Infantry Company D, May 31, 2008 whose remains were uncovered at the Route 37 right-of-way near Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Series 7. Final Report
Box 1, Folder 9
Final report of the State Potters Field Cemeteries Project by Chester Browning, Project Director. Report includes 37 - 4x6 color photographs of the following: Potters Field Cemetery #1C, Potters Field Cemetery #2, Exeter/Ladd School Cemetery #4, Aime Forand Private Cemetery #48, Pontiac Avenue Private Cemetery #50, Williams Lot Private Cemetery #26, Sockanossett Private Cemetery #51, West Street Private Cemetery #58,

Series 8. Indexes and Lists
Box 1, Folder 10
Indexes and lists of persons buried at state-owned and private cemeteries on state land in Cranston and Exeter. Arranged alphabetically by name and numerically by lot number. Indexes in hardcopy and MS Access.