Wisconsin Historical Society Repatriates Tribal Artifacts
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Wisconsin Historical Society plans to return nine important Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and a funerary pendant, to the tribes connected to them. This repatriation can start on or after January 21, 2026, helping honor Native heritage and respect cultural traditions. No money changes hands, but the timing is set to make sure these treasures find their way home soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Nine Native items to be returned
The Wisconsin Historical Society intends to return nine Native American cultural items — eight objects of cultural patrimony and one unassociated funerary object — that have a cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes, including a connection to the Stockbridge Munsee Community. These items include wampum, brooches, a beaded pouch, a firemaking set, bags, garters, and a stone pendant.
Legal classification of the items
The Wisconsin Historical Society has determined that eight of the sets are objects of cultural patrimony and one is an unassociated funerary object. Those determinations connect the items to Native American traditional knowledge and cultural affiliation.
Repatriation timing set
Repatriation of the cultural items in this notice may occur on or after January 21, 2026. The date gives affiliated tribes and potential claimants a clear earliest date for transfer.
Repatriation will involve no payment
The notice states that no money changes hands as part of this repatriation. The transfer of the cultural items is intended to occur without a monetary transaction.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Wisconsin Historical Society must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation; joint requests count as a single request.
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: 2025-23535, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of Georgia, Laboratory of Archaeology, Athens, GA
The University of Georgia’s Archaeology Lab plans to return 193 lots of Native American cultural items, like beads, tools, and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after January 21, 2026, helping honor Native heritage and respect sacred objects. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening relationships with Native communities.
Next: 2025-23537, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California Department of Transportation, Fresno, CA
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to return 175 important cultural items, like bones and stone tools, to Native American tribes connected to the Fresno and Kern County areas. This repatriation can start on or after January 21, 2026, and involves items found during a 1993 archaeological project. No costs or hazards are expected, just a respectful handover of these special artifacts.