Archive - Feb 2009

Below is a slide show of the skeleton's journey over the past 16 months.

See the Skeleton's Findings Released Today post for more information on the whole project.

Please note that some of these images may be disturbing.

All of the photographs are courtesy Kathleen Blue and James Bailey.

Inquest Slide Show

In 2007, Dr. James Bailey and Dr. Kathleen Blue of Minnesota State University contacted NHS about doing a forensic investigation into the alleged Charlie Pitts skeleton that was in the NHS collection.   Blue and Bailey presented their findings today at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Denver Colorado.  The findings ruled out the skeleton belonged to Charlie Pitts.  The carbon 14 testing conducted on the skeleton indicated that the the person probably lived before 1800, there is a 2.5 percent chance that he lived after 1800.  The research also indicated that the skeleton is that of male between the ages of 35-40.  A Canadian Forensic Artist, Victoria Lywood contributed to the investigation by developing a 2-D and 3-D facial reconstruction of the skeleton's skull.

DNA was also taken from one of the teeth and from a leg bone of the skeleton. In doing research Blue and Bailey found two direct relatives of Charlie Pitts who donated DNA for comparison.  The DNA did not match either relative.

I will post more information on the investigation early next week.

All of the photographs are courtesy Kathleen Blue, James Bailey and Victoria Lywood.

Follow the links for articles on the investigation

Northfield News

Mankato Free Press

Minnesota Public Radio

Update 2-20-09

The Pioneer Press has published an article on the skeleton.

Pioneer Press

Update 2-23-09

KYMN and the Mankato Free Press has posted updated stories on the skeleton

KYMN Radio

Mankato Free Press

The Rice County Historical Society is celebrating Lincoln's 200th Birthday at the First UCC Church, 300 Union St, Northfield, on Thursday, February 12, from 7 to 9 PM.

The RCHS has one of possibly six remaining regimental flags in Minnesota that were carried in Civil War battles.  The flag has rarely been displayed and needs nearly $7300 to stabilize and conserve it.  The $5 cost per person to attend tomorrow will go toward conserving the flag.

The first part of the program will feature  Mark and Holly Fischer  performing  Civil War songs followed by Steve Lawler as President Lincoln, narrated by Jim Stark with music by Chris Brunelle.  Lawler, Stark and Brunelle will be performing an extended version of Copland's Lincoln Portrait.

After the performances, attendees will be able to view the Rice County Civil War Battle Flag  before it is sent away to be conserved.  In addition, there will be original Lincoln papers on display, local Northfield and Rice County Civil War/Lincoln items and a complete list of names of all 677 men from Rice County who served in the Civil War. 

Information about the local historical societies, the Cannon Valley Civil War Round Table, and other Civil War related  upcoming events will be available.

For more information please call 507-645-6268 or 507-332-212