Unearthed: USF’s Hidden History, Kalmanovitz Hall Rooftop Sculpture Terrace
Sept. 4- Dec. 16, 2012
“The world is built on the bones of our ancestors” is a truism that is particularly relevant to us at the University of San Francisco. The ground we stand here on was once part of a major necropolis. From 1854 to the 1920s and beyond, the tracts from Fulton to Sacramento Streets, from Arguello to Kaiser Permanente Hospital was home to four major burial grounds: Laurel Hill’s Lone Mountain Cemetery, Calvary Catholic Cemetery, the Masonic Cemetery and the Odd Fellows Cemetery.
By the early 20th century, the cemeteries were gone; most remains were moved to Colma, but not everything made the move. What you see here are some of the items found during recent excavations at the University; they are haunting reminders to us of those who came before.
Tuesday, October 29, 2:30-3:30 p.m., UC 402/403
Lecture and tour by Professor Thomas Lucas, SJ, Thacher Gallery Director
Fr. Lucas will present the history of USF's current site—sand dune to necropolis to University—using funereal objects found during campus excavations. The lecture will end with a brief tour in Kalmanovitz Hall. Refreshments provided.