The Committee will host a Memorial Service to honor 19 individuals whose crania were taken from New Orleans in the 1880s and sent to Leipzig, Germany
NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Cultural Repatriation Committee, led by Dr. Eva Baham of Dillard University, and in partnership with the City of New Orleans and University Medical Center New Orleans, will host a press conference to announce a historic memorial service for the Repatriation program. This event will honor the 19 individuals whose crania were taken from New Orleans and sent to Leipzig, Germany.
In the 1880s, New Orleans physician Dr. Henry D. Schmidt provided 19 crania to Dr. Emil Ludwig Schmidt of Leipzig, Germany. These human remains, belonging to African Americans, were acquired and used for racially biased scientific research. In 2023, the University of Leipzig contacted the City of New Orleans Archaeologist with an offer to repatriate the remains, prompting the formation of a multi-agency effort. This collaboration includes Dillard University, the City of New Orleans, University Medical Center and other community partners.
“Dillard University is deeply honored to serve as a steward in the sacred process of cultural repatriation,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University. “This moment calls us to bear witness to a painful chapter in our collective history while recognizing the unique role our institution plays in preserving the dignity and legacy of those who were wrongfully taken. This is more than an act of remembrance – it is a restoration of humanity.”
“It is a profound honor for a coalition of community partners to work alongside the University of Leipzig to ensure that these individuals are returned home with the dignity and reverence they were long denied,” said Dr. Eva Baham, Chair of the Repatriation Committee. “This collaboration is not only an act of justice – it is an act of healing, rooted in a shared commitment to truth and historical accountability.”
The visitation will take place on Saturday, May 31 at 9 a.m. at Dillard University Lawless Memorial Chapel followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. The following individuals will be honored and laid to rest: Adam Grant, Isaak Bell, Hiram Smith, William Pierson, Henry Williams, John Brown, Hiram Malone, William Roberts, Alice Brown, Prescilla Hatchet, Marie Louise, Mahala, Samuel Prince, John Tolman, Henry Allen, Moses Willis and Henry Anderson.
In a somber and powerful step towards justice, the memorial service will mark the return and remembrance of African Americans whose remains were acquired and cataloged as “specimens” during a time of rampant colonialism and racial pseudoscience. The memorial service will recognize the international and local collaboration that made this repatriation possible.
During the 1800s when racial injustice was at its height, Charity Hospital did not deny care regardless of race, nationality, religion, sex or character. In continuation of that legacy, University Medical Center is honored to grant these 19 individuals the respect and peace they deserve.
“At University Medical Center, we are proud of our deep roots in Charity Hospital and remain committed to honoring that legacy by partnering with institutions that share our history and dedication to our community,” said Charlotte Parent, Vice President of Business Development at University Medical Center New Orleans. “We are honored to join Dillard University and the City of New Orleans in recognizing and respecting the individuals and families impacted by racial inequities, as we work together to create a more just and compassionate future.”
As University Medical Center prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, it proudly upholds the traditions of Charity Hospital, which has served the community since 1736. While Charity endured for centuries, it was severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina. On Aug. 1, 2015, University Medical Center opened its doors to continue Charity’s mission of serving all people. Today, University Medical Center honors the Spirit of Charity by delivering high-quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay. The repatriation of those once cared for at Charity Hospital reaffirms a shared commitment to dignity, remembrance, and respect for every life.
About Dillard University
Dillard University, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private, historically Black liberal arts institution that fosters leaders who excel, advocate, and positively impact the world. Since its founding in 1869, Dillard has remained committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and the celebration of cultural heritage.
About University Medical Center New Orleans
University Medical Center New Orleans, home of the Rev. Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital, offers the latest in medical services and cutting-edge research, while training the next generation of healthcare professionals. As the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center, we play a vital role in treating southern Louisiana’s most critically injured patients. University Medical Center is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Manning Family Children’s, New Orleans East Hospital, Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center.
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