The unknown boy, widely known for decades as "America's Unknown Child" and now identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, is buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
For many years, the identity of the young boy, whose body was discovered in a cardboard box in Fox Chase, Philadelphia, on February 25, 1957, remained a profound mystery. His grave memorial was initially engraved with "America's Unknown Child," a poignant symbol of the collective effort to determine his identity and the widespread public interest in the case.
Resting Place Details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Joseph Augustus Zarelli (formerly unknown) |
| Cemetery | Ivy Hill Cemetery |
| Location | Cedarbrook, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Grave Marker | Grave memorial engraved with "America's Unknown Child" |
The Path to Identification
After more than six decades, advancements in forensic genetic genealogy led to a significant breakthrough in December 2022. This innovative DNA technology allowed investigators to identify the child as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, finally bringing resolution to one of the oldest and most perplexing cold cases in American history. His resting place continues to serve as a monument, but now with the added understanding of his true identity.
