Rutgers University scientists have a new project near, and under, Dutch Reformed Church in Belleville, trying to figure out how many unmarked graves are there.

Scientists and students will use to detect the unmarked graves that could be there. The church believes there are a number of unmarked and misplaced headstones in the cemetery above.

But it’s not just above ground -- they are also going underground, believing a burial ground lays beneath the church.

The scientists and students will use three geophysical surveys. If there are changes in soil structure, they will find it. Magnetic field, as well as electromagnetic techniques, are all also being used.

Mayor Michael Melham says it’s exciting because there is a lot of history there. Belleville was the location for the first Chinese settlement back in 1870, and it’s that many of the first Chinese immigrants are buried in the basement.

Students will have results at the end of the semester.