In a recent post I mentioned the discovery of a mass grave of 19th century immigrant Irish railroad workers near Philadelphia, and the archeological dig that has been going on for the past several years at Duffy's Cut to collect and identify the remains of the workers and return them to their families.
Earlier today I spoke to Professor William E. Watson, who has been one of the catalysts in this excavation. He is the head of the history department at Immaculata University, and an amateur archeologist who is recognized as having the skills of a professional.
Professor Watson told me he believed this would be the last year of the Duffy's Cut excavation. It has evolved--or is evolving--a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which is called the Duffy's Cut Project. The organization has already won a coveted Pennsylvania State Historic Marker for its site. On the other hand, some of the landowners whose property has been dug up, and who agreed to that in the beginning, are now beginning to lose patience. (As we would ourselves if it were our property.) This edginess of a few of the property owners has intensified the DCP personnel's desire to conclude the dig by the end of the year.
When I asked whether Professor Watson and his associates could use small donations, he indicated these would be helpful to buy supplies and equipment and meet other expenses. So I sent on a few dollars, wishing it could be more.
If you want to do this, but are concerned to get a tax exemption, I can assure you that if the organization is already a non-profit you will have no problem. If it has not yet received that recognition my guess is you still will have no problem as the new status takes effect.
Anyway, here is the address for those who want to make a gift:
Duffy's Cut Project
Box 667
Immaculata, PA 19345-667
Make the check out to the Duffey's Cut Project.
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