Missouri Society Identifies Artifacts for Native Return
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis has finished checking some old Native American burial items and found they belong to certain tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they’re connected to. This is part of a law that helps return important cultural objects to Native communities, with no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Three Burial Beads Linked to Tribes
If you represent or are a member of the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California, Wilton Rancheria, or the Yoche Dehe Wintun Nation, the Missouri Historical Society has determined that three lots of glass trade beads from Mustang Mound (CA-YOL-13), Yolo County, California, are culturally affiliated with those tribes. The MHS determined the beads were placed with or near human remains as part of funerary rites.
How and When to Request Repatriation
You may request repatriation of these objects on or after January 20, 2026 by sending a written request to Brady Wolf, Missouri Historical Society, 225 S Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105, or by email at [email protected]. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, by any lineal descendant, or by another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence, and repatriation occurs under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) at no cost to the public.
Competing and Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing repatriation requests are received, the Missouri Historical Society must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests made jointly are treated as a single request, and the MHS will send a copy of this notice to the tribes named and other consulting parties.
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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23369, Notice of Intended Repatriation: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis plans to return a sacred Hawaiian feather helmet called a mahi‘ole to Native Hawaiian groups starting January 20, 2026. This special helmet, used in important ceremonies and battles, holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. The museum is working with the right communities to make sure this important piece goes back where it belongs.
Next: 2025-23371, Notice of Inventory Completion: Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
The Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis has finished checking their collection and found two Native American funerary objects that belong to certain tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items and honor Native American heritage.