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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23162 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
The State Museum of Pennsylvania plans to return two sacred Native American items—a gourd rattle and organic powder—back to the Seneca Nation. These items, taken from the Allegany Reservation in 1925, are important for traditional ceremonies and will be repatriated starting January 20, 2026. This move respects Native American culture and strengthens ties with the Seneca people, with no cost impact mentioned.
Next: 2025-23164 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Yale Peabody Museum plans to return five sacred Native American items to their rightful tribes starting January 20, 2026. These special objects, like bone tools and stone carvings, were collected from Tennessee over 150 years ago. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting cultural treasures.