Bertha s family donated the original numbered stone from Bertha s grave, along with a picture of her and information about her life in the institution. It is very gratifying to see national attention to this part of disability history at the same time we are pursuing justice for people who died in institutions here in Minnesota. If you have the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, be sure to stop by and see Remembering With Dignity s contributions to this new exhibit. It is a powerful tribute to the activism of people with disabilities across the country. The exhibit will be open through the summer of 2001.
Family experiences Many family members have expressed sincere gratitude to Remembering with Dignity.
At cemetery dedications, family members have spoken movingly about relatives who lay in the cemeteries and the circumstances that led to their family's separation. It is clear from these stories that financial pressure, especially during the Great Depression and World War II, contributed to the bulging institutions of the 1950s. Surviving relatives seem happy to learn anything they can about their family members now, and are relieved and pleased to know that the graves will soon be dignified with each person s name and date of birth and death. For one such story, click here to read the article A Tribute to Herbert Melton Krienke.