Pinelands Commission Ground Penetrating Radar Survey of Possible Unmarked Graves at Mullica Cemetery

The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is using ground penetrating radar technology to search for possible unmarked graves at a 19th century cemetery in the Pinelands.
Tony McNichol, the Commission's Cultural Resource Planner and Archaeologist, explains the purpose of the survey and how the radar technology can assist in locating unidentified historic graves at the St. Mary's of the Assumption/St. Mary's in the Pines Cemetery on Pleasant Mills Road in Mullica Township.
The cemetery was established on a small parcel donated by Jesse Richards of Batsto (circa 1826-1827) for the use of his Catholic employees. As operations at Batsto declined in the late 1860's, many families moved from the area, and the church and cemetery fell into disuse. It is thought that unmarked graves may remain on the site, as early wooden markers may have been destroyed by a forest fire that consumed the church structure in the early 1900's.
The Pinelands Commission would like to thank the National Park Service for its generous support and funding for the Ground Penetrating Radar technology that was used for this survey.
The Commission would also like to thank Fr. Neal Dante of the Camden Diocese for his support and initiation of this survey, as well as his dedicated stewardship of this important, historic resource in the Pinelands. Memorial services are still held at the site twice a year on Flag Day in June, and All Souls' Day in November. All are welcome.