Discover the haunting tales buried within Hart Island, America’s largest public cemetery. Explore the poignant story of an unidentified man whose life and identity remain a mystery. Delve into the life of Neil Harris and his family's relentless pursuit for recognition. Uncover the stark realities of anonymity and forgotten lives, as more than a million souls rest in unmarked graves. Each story shines a light on those who left behind loved ones and untold legacies.
The podcast reveals the anonymity of Hart Island, where over a million individuals are buried without markers, highlighting the stark reality of forgotten lives.
Through the story of Neil Harris, the episode emphasizes the impact of unresolved loss on families and the complexities of searching for identity.
Deep dives
The Mystery of Plot 383
The episode delves into the story of a man found dead in Manhattan, who was later buried in a mass grave on Heart Island, highlighting the anonymity that surrounds many individuals there. This graveyard, hosting over a million unmarked graves, serves as a final resting place for those whose identities remain unknown or unclaimed, emphasizing the stark reality of being forgotten. In particular, the narrative centers on Neil Harris, who went missing in December 2014, as his loved ones tirelessly sought answers and clarity regarding his fate. Despite weekly efforts to circulate missing persons flyers and the passage of multiple years without resolution, the mystery of his disappearance raises poignant questions about family, community, and the search for identity.
The Lives Left Behind
The podcast reveals the profound personal stories behind those buried at Heart Island, shedding light on the impact of their loss on families and friends left searching for answers. For instance, Neil’s estranged family is brought into focus, illustrating how familial ties can unravel over time, leaving individuals isolated and ultimately unaccounted for. As it explores the interconnectedness of memory and identity, the episode invites reflection on how society remembers those who slip through the cracks. Through these narratives, listeners are encouraged to consider the lives once lived, the relationships forged, and the legacies forgotten in the shadows of history.
On September 28th, we’re launching a new series: The Unmarked Graveyard: Stories from Hart Island.
Hart Island is America’s largest public cemetery—sometimes known as a “potter’s field.” The island has no headstones or plaques, just numbered markers.
More than a million people are buried on Hart Island and many are shrouded in anonymity. Explanations for how they ended up there can be hard to find. Over the next seven weeks, we’ll untangle mysteries about the lives they lived and the people they left behind.