David Scott uncovers his long-lost brother’s past at Fernald school

David Scott spent three years searching for information about his older brother John, who was institutionalized at birth and buried in an unmarked grave at the Walter E. Fernald State School in Massachusetts. John Scott was born with severe spina bifida and was admitted to the institution at 18 days old, where he remained until his death at age 17. Massachusetts officials estimate that at least 10,000 unmarked graves exist for people who lived in similar state institutions.

Local historian Alex Green had compiled burial records from the Fernald cemetery and connected with Scott after he discovered his brother's name online. Green arranged a memorial service and helped Scott pursue patient records through state agencies. After years of bureaucratic obstacles, Scott made a personal appeal to Governor Maura Healey at a public forum, which led to the release of John's institutional files.

The documents revealed that John was an intelligent student who showed academic promise but experienced mental decline during his institutionalization. Medical records indicated health problems, including kidney infections, that may have contributed to his death. Scott, who cares for his son Michael with cerebral palsy at home, said the discovery reinforced his commitment to keeping his son out of institutional care.