Harvard Museum Plans Artifact Repatriation
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Harvard’s Peabody Museum plans to return 14 important cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting January 20, 2026. These items, like baskets and traditional tools, have deep cultural meaning and were collected over 100 years ago. This repatriation honors Native communities and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
14 cultural items to be returned
If you are a member or lineal descendant of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians or another culturally affiliated Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, Harvard’s Peabody Museum intends to repatriate 14 cultural items (for example, baskets, regalia, and tools). The repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
You may submit a written request for these items if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence you are the lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the Peabody Museum (attention Jane Pickering); if competing requests are received the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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