Ancient DNA of 19th century Archaeological Individual at St. Marys Basilica, Norfolk, Virginia, USA

The Basilica of Saint Marys of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk is the only predominantly African American basilica in the United States. A community-based archaeogenomic investigation was carried out at this church to investigate the history of its previous congregants. Five burials were selected for excavation and archaeological analysis. The skeletal remains of these past Congregants were assessed to determine age, sex, and preservation status. Ancient DNA was extracted and sequenced at the University of Connecticuts ancient DNA laboratory.