This past winter the cataloging and analysis of the skeletal human remains from the Gershom Bulkeley Tomb has been ongoing under Renee Petruzelli, a graduate student from the University of Alaska, Mark Macauda, a Ph.D. graduate student at the University of Connecticut, Anthropology Department, and FOSA's Anita Sherman. Anita has her Degreee in Nursing and as a Dental Assistant, and has contributed her knowledge on several OSA projects. All three specialize in osteology and have several years of experience in conducting this type of investigation.

To date, they have identified 8 children and 21 adults with more study to be done. The analysis of the skeletal remains has shown signs of diseases such as tuberculosis, and several types of arthritic conditions. Dental examinations have shown two different techniques of repairs and the use of gold for fillings and early examples of partial bridge work.

One of the many mysteries we hope to resolve is the positive identification of Gershom Bulkeley. Several of the coffin lids presented abbreviations and dates with brass tacks, but only a few coffin plates were found. Unfortunately, none showed Gershom Bulkeley or his initials.

It is hoped that at the completion of this project all of the skeletal remains can be identified. Once the laboratory work has been completed, a reinterment will be scheduled at the Bulkeley family crypt in Colchester

Two other FOSA members who should be recognized for their professional talents are Dave Cooke for his leadership and John Spaulding for his photographic recording during the excavation of the crypt.