Harvard Peabody Museum Issues Yet Another Notice for Native Remains Inventory
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found Native American hair clippings linked to a known descendant. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the descendant’s community. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follow important laws protecting their ancestors.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Allowed Starting January 20, 2026
If you are a lineal descendant, the Peabody Museum says the human remains described in this notice may be returned to a requestor on or after January 20, 2026. The notice sets that specific date as the earliest date repatriation may occur.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by the known lineal descendant named in the notice or by any other lineal descendant who proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant. If competing requests are received, the Peabody Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
Specific Remains Identified for Return
The Peabody Museum identified one set of human remains as hair clippings from a 17-year-old individual recorded as 'Miwok.' The clippings were taken at the Sherman Institute, Riverside County, CA by Samuel H. Gilliam between 1930 and 1933, sent to George Woodbury, and donated to the museum in 1935.
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: 2025-23352, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University plans to return 205 cultural items, mostly obsidian artifacts, to Native American tribes connected to Placer County, California. This repatriation will start on or after January 20, 2026, honoring the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The university is making sure these important cultural treasures go back to their rightful communities, with no cost impacts mentioned.
Next: 2025-23354, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY
The Buffalo Museum of Science plans to return two important Native American cultural items—a feather cape and a whale tooth necklace—to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after January 20, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and keeping culture alive.