Scientists comb Peoria library site for remains

PEORIA -- Archaeologists excavating the site of a planned new library in Peoria say they found nearly 50 more burial sites from an old cemetery there.

Midwest Archaeological Research Services found at least 48 sites on Wednesday. That's in addition to the 12 sites found in the first day of excavation on Tuesday.

The planned new Peoria Public Library will be built on what was a city cemetery until the mid 1800s. But the human remains will have to be moved before construction can begin.

State law requires that any remains still there would have to be removed and turned over to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for possible identification.

Excavation could continue for weeks.