TV and Video Coverage: Forgotten Children Initiative

Since the public announcement of the rediscovery of the House of Reformation burial site on July 17, 2025, waves of news attention have followed. We’ll include links to television and video coverage below as they are published. You can find print articles and podcast segments in their respective news sections.

Coverage Following the Initial Visit to the House of Reformation Site by State Senator Will Smith, Jr. on 7/17/25:

The existence of the burial ground was publicly announced on July 17, 2025 following a visit to the cemetery by Maryland State Senator Will Smith (Chair of Maryland Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee), Vinny Schiraldi (former DJS Secretary) and Marc Schindler (former DJS Assistant Secretary & Chief of Staff).

Maryland moves to recognize Black boys’ unmarked graves near historic detention center

TV coverage by NBC’s Washington affiliate (7/18/25)

Coverage Following the Visit to the House of Reformation Site by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus on 9/23/25:

Two months after the public announcement in July 2025, the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus visited the House of Reformation Site in September 2025. Their visit renewed media attention and brought even more focus to the forgotten children buried there.

Black Maryland legislators visit historic graveyard where over 200 youth are buried

Story on local NBC TV news (9/24/25)

Maryland leaders look to preserve history of Black boys who died at former reform school

Story on local ABC TV news (9/23/25)

Maryland state lawmakers pledge to restore neglected burial site of Black children in Cheltenham

Story on local CBS TV news (9/23/25)