Workers at a construction site made a startling discovery after a human bone believed to belong to a child from the mid-19th century was found during excavation.

The unusual discovery was made at a site where a roundabout is being constructed, and not far from where an orphanage existed during the same time period.

Due to the close proximity to the Halifax Armoury, a national historic site, archaeologists were already anticipating the discovery of some artifacts. However, they were surprised to find human remains.

“One of the archaeologists on site picked up something and looked at it and realized it was a human bone,” said archaeologist Courtney Glen.

Experts say further examination suggests that the object is a 150-year-old hip bone.

“The bone that was discovered showed signs of being a young bone, juvenile bone,” Glen said.

The remains could be linked to the mid-19th century orphanage that once operated in Halifax, Glen said.

“The location where it was found leads us to believe that it was probably associated with the Protestant Orphans Home,” Glen said.

Researchers found that approximately 80 children a year stayed at the orphanage, which was founded in 1857.

Archaeologists also say the construction zone may have once been a burial ground.

As the digging continues, there have been several items of historical value found beneath rubble.

“In terms of artifacts, smoking pipes, we found bottles that date back to the 18th century,” said archaeologist Stephen Davis.

As for the human remains, police said it appears the remains aren’t linked to a crime. However, the medical examiner has called in a forensic anthropologist for further study.

With a report by CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell