en.wikipedia.org
Maybe you can’t find that Burial record because they were never buried? Pennsylvania was the first U. S. State to have the ANATOMY ACT, other states followed. The bodies of deceased poor, homeless, criminals and some slaves were sent to Universities for students to study.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Anatomy_Act_of_1883
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One of the largest collections of documented skeletal remains is housed in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There are over 3,000 skeletons collected by Drs. Hamaan and Todd between 1912 and 1938.
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I wonder how would someone access those records? I wonder how these cases were recorded and where the records are kept for each state. I’m assuming the death certificates were filed the same as anyone else... I wasn’t aware that it was a law until I found the death cert of someone who had the same name of an ancestor.. the burial place was listed as “Anatomical BD Philadelphia, PA” so I googled it lol
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I have indexed quite a few death certificates where the body was delivered to one of these medical institutions or an anatomical bank. It will show up on the death certificates. In the Cleveland collection, there will a death certificate because Ohio began issuing them in 1908. I know from working on a medical research project where we analyzed this collection that there had been a few instances when a family found an ancestor and requested the remains released for burial. Of course, their wish is granted when they prove the relationship. But, these are very important collections for research purposes, so I hope that doesn't happen too often.
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I wonder if there are any records that would identify the bodies that were donated to science? I am missing a record of a female that was born and died in Philadelphia on 1 Feb. 1935. This child had a twin that lived. I can find his record, but I find no record of this twin. Family records indicate that the twin was either stillborn or died shortly after birth.
Can anyone suggest how to find this child? Surname: Bierer
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Check out the Humanity Gifts Registry for Pennsylvania at hgrpa.org.
From their FAQ's
The Humanity Gifts Registry is a nonprofit agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania concerned primarily with the receipt and distribution of bodies donated to all medical and dental schools in the state for teaching purposes. The Registry, formerly called the Anatomical Board, has been in existence since 1883.
What happens to my body after studies have been completed?
Upon completion of studies, the remains will be cremated and the ashes interred in one of our established cemeteries located in Philadelphia, Hershey, Erie, Scranton and Pittsburgh (depending on where the donation occurs). If a family wishes to have the ashes returned for private burial, special arrangements can be made. The Registry office must have a written request from the next of kin at the time shortly after the death of the donor. The family should be aware it may take up to two years or longer before the ashes may be available.
Will my name be recorded at the registry’s gravesite?
No. In order to respect the privacy and anonymity requested by some donors, the names of donors do not appear at the gravesite. However, all gravesites are marked by a number. Information regarding your final resting place is available from the Registry office.
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Thanks Melissa. I have contacted the hgrpa.org. I will let you know if I learn anything.
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