William B. Merritt and Carolinas HealthCare Inc. received recognition for respectful treatment of the historic Spratt family cemetery discovered during an expansion of Mercy Hospital.

William B. Merritt and the Carolinas HealthCare System stumbled into the world of preservation when an unusual stone was discovered in a pile of dirt during an expansion project at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. The stone was identified as a tombstone and turned out to be the first of many artifacts unearthed from the Revolutionary War–era Spratt family cemetery, which had long been obscured by modern development.

After learning of the unusual discovery, Bill Merritt, senior project manager for the hospital expansion, called a halt to construction, and efforts to research and excavate the cemetery began. An archaeological consulting company determined that thirteen graves were present at the site. Research into historic documents revealed many references to the gravesite, as well as the identities of its occupants, who were some of the first settlers in the Charlotte–Mecklenburg County area. Further research led to contact with the descendants of those buried in the cemetery and a Disinterment and Reinterment Plan took shape. This involved the reburial of the remains in the Steele Creek Presbyterian Cemetery.

During all this, Bill worked closely with the descendants to ensure that everyone was satisfied with the relocation process. He went well beyond his professional obligations to become personally involved in all aspects of the project. Bill took several of the soapstone markers to a skilled conservator to clean, repair and mount in new bases. He met with the descendants several times, then planned and oversaw a reburial that followed historic traditions. A memory stone was erected to tell the stories of the settlers and their reburial. Bill even personally built four new coffins for the reinterment. Bill's commitment to preservation is demonstrated through his dedication to the community, his sensitive handling of the burial site, and his concern for the descendents.

The respect for history and preservation shown by William B. Merritt and the Carolinas HealthCare System is inspiring. We are pleased to present them with a 2008 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit.