Personal stories from survivors highlight emotional trauma, secrets, and ongoing searches for lost relatives, including accounts of adoption, hidden pregnancies, and unacknowledged children who died at the home.

The ongoing excavation at the former Tuam mother and baby home in Ireland aims to uncover the truth about a mass grave linked to tragic past events involving the mistreatment of children.

The Tuam home, operational from 1925 to 1961, had the highest death rate among Irish mother and baby homes, with about 15% of children dying due to neglect and poor conditions.

The discovery of a mass grave containing nearly 800 children, located atop a septic tank, was made possible through local historian Catherine Corless, whose research revealed that 796 children were unaccounted for, sparking a national and international scandal in 2014.

Archaeologists are exhuming the mass grave at the site, which is believed to contain the remains of nearly 800 infants and children connected to the home run by the Bon Secours Sisters.

Test excavations confirmed tiny skeletons in the septic tank, prompting former Prime Minister Enda Kenny to describe the site as a 'chamber of horrors' and leading Pope Francis to apologize for the church's role in the abuses.

The investigation seeks to clarify historical records and provide closure to affected families and communities, addressing a dark chapter in Irish history.

The investigation has exposed systemic neglect, forced separations, and the deaths of around 9,000 children in Irish mother and baby homes during the 20th century.

The excavation aims to address long-standing shame and offer some closure, with stories of hope and tragedy illustrating the profound impact of this history.

The excavations are being conducted under strict privacy measures to respect the sensitivities involved and preserve the site.

Historian Catherine Corless's questions about the whereabouts of the children's bodies prompted investigations into the site, leading to the current excavation.