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.
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