CINCINNATI — Workers renovating a century-old performance hall discovered human remains under the orchestra pit, and archeologists are planning to analyze the bones.
The property under Cincinnati Music Hall was a public burial ground in 1818, and bones have frequently been discovered since construction began for the building in 1876. Workers found a skull and other bones during a major renovation in 1969.
Crews uncovered the bones while removing asbestos in late March, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported (http://cin.ci/1MZTNA1 ).
Gray & Pape, a firm that conducts archaeological and historical investigations, concluded the arm and leg bones are believed to belong to four adult bodies.
Six other grave shafts were identified in the north carriageway, which is the space between Music Hall's main building and the North Hall. Each contained burials in wooden coffins.
Remains found in the past have been re-interred at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, said Anastasia Mileham, a spokesman for the project manager.