Work

Threads of Evidence: The 1928 Hurricane Victims and Ways of Knowing Them

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In this article, the authors consider how two poorly preserved sets of skeletal remains can help us reflect on our molecular methods in bioarchaeology. These two skeletons are labeled as having come from the 1928 hurricane that hit Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, Florida, drowning 2000–3000 people overnight in floodwaters from the lake. Most were Black migrant laborers. With poor skeletal preservation and no archival records for the finding of these remains, the molecular data become our best way of understanding who these individuals were. However, as the authors illustrate, molecular data can only add to the story and can only work within our own preconceived notions of identity.

Source: American Anthropologist

DOI: 10.1111/aman.70139

Authors: Meredith A. B. Ellis, William J. Pestle, Margaret Hassler, Mora Bustos Martin, Jessica H. Stone, Jaime Zolik, Laura N. Pott, María A. Nieves‐Colón

Institutions: Florida Atlantic University, University of Michigan, Arizona State University, University of Miami, University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Forensic and Genetic Research

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: University of Miami, University of Minnesota, Florida Atlantic University

OpenAlex ID: W7225573647

FWCI:

Cites: 44

Cited by:

Related to: 10