Summary
Excavation has started in Tuam, Ireland, to identify the remains of about 800 infants and toddlers buried at a former church-run home for unmarried mothers. This investigation, involving experts from several countries, aims to uncover more about the deaths that occurred at this site between 1925 and 1961.
Key Facts
- Excavation in Tuam, Ireland, aims to investigate the remains of around 800 children.
- These children died at a home run by Catholic nuns for unmarried mothers.
- The site was in use from 1925 to 1961, with a high child mortality rate of about 15%.
- Forensic archaeologists from several countries, including Canada and the U.S., are involved in the investigation.
- Catherine Corless, an amateur historian, uncovered initial evidence of the mass grave over a decade ago.
- Test excavations in 2016 and 2017 found remains in a disused septic tank on the site.
- The place is now part of a housing complex, following the demolition of the original building in the 1970s.
- The investigation will attempt to identify and respectfully reburial the remains found.
