NY Public Library to Return Seneca Indian's Lock of Hair and Remains
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The New York Public Library has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes, specifically a Seneca individual. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the rightful tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs mentioned for the process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Seneca Remains Eligible for Repatriation
The New York Public Library identified human remains representing at least one Native American individual with a cultural affiliation to the Seneca Nation of Indians. Those remains may be returned to the Seneca Nation, another Indian Tribe, or a lineal descendant on or after January 15, 2026; written requests for repatriation must be sent to Deborah Straussman, The New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, or deborahstraussman@nypl.org.
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