Concord Museum to Ship Native Artifacts Back to Tribes
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Concord Museum in Massachusetts plans to return 13 Native American cultural items, like stone tools and red ochre, to the tribes they belong to. These items were found in Maine and are connected to Native American burial practices. The repatriation can start on or after January 20, 2026, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 13 Native American Items
The Concord Museum intends to return 13 unassociated funerary objects (stone bifaces, a polished stone, and a box of red ochre) to affiliated Native American tribes. The museum identified cultural affiliation with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; Mi'kmaq Nation; Passamaquoddy Tribe; and Penobscot Nation, and repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
How to Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (including groups not listed in the notice) may submit a written request for these items to Jessica Desany at the Concord Museum. Requests must show, by a preponderance of the evidence, cultural affiliation; repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026, and the museum will resolve any competing requests and may accept joint requests as a single request.
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