Rochester Museum Prepares to Repatriate Sacred Native Artifacts
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Rochester Museum & Science Center has finished checking its collection and found human remains and thousands of old artifacts linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native American history and culture, with no costs mentioned but important deadlines to watch.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribes Eligible for Repatriation from RMSC
The Rochester Museum & Science Center determined that human remains (at least four individuals) and 4,235 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), Delaware Tribe of Indians, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community (Wisconsin). Those tribes may seek repatriation of the remains and objects beginning January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests must be sent to Elizabeth Alecki at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 or by email as listed in the notice). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the named Indian Tribes, or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
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