Facilities
Our facilities include the donated Skeletal Collection—established in 1981 as part of the body donation program—the Anthropology Research Facility (ARF), also known as the “Body Farm,” and the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory.
Skeletal Collection
The Donated Skeletal Collection was established in 1981, and has become a major resource for studying modern Americans. More than 2,500 individuals are curated in the collection with birth years ranging from 1902 to 2019 and encompasses all adult age ranges and individuals of both sexes.
The Anthropology Research Facility: The Body Farm
The Anthropology Research Facility, commonly known as The Body Farm, opened at its present location in 1980 by Professor William M. Bass. This outdoor field laboratory enables the investigation of parameters which are crucial in time since death estimates and provides an ideal setting to scientifically document postmortem change. The research facility is in a wooded environment and is approximately 3 acres. In addition to research, the ARF is used extensively for training in burial excavation and mapping. There is limited access to the research facility and tours are not allowed.
Please contact Giovanna Vidoli at gvidoli@utk.edu regarding use of this facility.
Forensic Anthropology Laboratory
Established in 1987, UT’s Forensic Anthropology Center (FAC) opened its state-of-the-art Laboratory on April 17, 2026. The FAC has long provided unparalleled teaching and research opportunities for UT students.