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Each wave represents a distinct era in the timeline of America’s missing.
Each wave represents a distinct era in the timeline of America’s missing.
Together, they tell the story of how long—and how many—have waited to be found, remembered, and returned.
Together, they tell the story of how long—and how many—have waited to be found, remembered, and returned.
Wave One: The Lost ERA
Wave One: The Lost ERA
Before 1980
Before 1980
The earliest cases in the NamUs system—some dating back more than 50 years.
These are the long shadows, the names time nearly buried, now rising back into view.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a centralized database for missing persons, was established in 1967. However, it wasn't until the Missing Children Act of 1982 that the FBI was authorized to enter missing children's data into the NCIC, providing a national clearinghouse for such information.
Wave Two: The 1980s
Wave Two: The 1980s
A decade of transformation and cultural change—but also one that left many behind.
Runaways. Abductions. Disappearances that stunned small towns and big cities alike.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In 1984, the National Child Safety Council launched the Missing Children Milk Carton Program, placing photos of missing children on milk cartons to raise public awareness. This initiative brought national attention to cases like that of Etan Patz, who disappeared in 1979.
Wave Three: The 1990s
Wave Three: The 1990s
A time of growth, technology, and media—but also ongoing silence for too many families.
As the internet expanded, so did the hope for answers… but for some closure never came.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In November 1997, organizations aiding in the recovery of missing children began utilizing the Internet to expedite information dissemination. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) collaborated with Lycos to create a searchable database, displaying critical cases of missing children to millions of users.
Wave Four: The 2000s
Wave Four: The 2000s
A new millennium filled with breakthroughs—and barriers.
DNA tools improved, but many families still struggled to access national systems.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) launched its Unidentified Persons database in 2007 and its Missing Persons database in 2008, providing a centralized resource for law enforcement and families.
Wave Five: The 2010s
Wave Five: The 2010s
These cases are recent enough to feel raw, distant enough to fear being forgotten.
Digital footprints, social media pleas, and yet… silence.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In 2019, the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) recorded 609,275 missing person entries, highlighting the ongoing nature of this crisis.
Wave Six: The 2020s
Wave Six: The 2020s
The newest names. The latest faces.
A powerful call to act now—before these stories age into the background.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The COVID-19 pandemic increased vulnerabilities for at-risk individuals. Many went missing during periods of lockdown, social instability, or limited media coverage, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support.
Want to honor someone from a specific era?
Want to honor someone from a specific era?
Each boat released is more than a symbol—it’s a story.
Each boat released is more than a symbol—it’s a story.
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