New Bedford Whaling Museum to Repatriate Sacred Items to Tribes
Published Date: 8/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The New Bedford Whaling Museum plans to return sacred cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups, following important laws that protect these objects. This means some special artifacts will go back to their rightful communities soon, with no cost to the public. The museum is making sure this respectful process happens smoothly and on time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Sacred Cultural Items
The Old Dartmouth Historical Society, doing business as the New Bedford Whaling Museum, intends to return certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The items have a stated cultural affiliation with the Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15973, Notice of Inventory Completion: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
San Diego State University finished checking its collection of Native American funerary items and found they belong to certain Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items can be returned to their rightful communities. If you’re part of these groups, keep an eye out for how and when the items will be sent back—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Next: 2025-15975, Notice of Inventory Completion: New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY
New York University’s College of Dentistry finished checking their collection of human remains and found they belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means they’ll work on returning these remains to the right communities. If you’re part of these groups, now’s the time to connect with NYU to help bring your ancestors home.