Government Catalogs Ancient Bones: Tennessee's Archaeological Inventory Unveiled

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.

2026-13255 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms

The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.

2026-12380 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wesleyan University, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Middletown, CT

Wesleyan University plans to return 13 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting July 22, 2026. These special objects, like decorated gourds and stone tools, were once traded between museums but now will go back home. This repatriation respects Native traditions and doesn’t involve any money changes, just honoring heritage.

2026-12391 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.

2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms

The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!

2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.

Previous: 2025-23541 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and artifacts found in four Tennessee counties. These remains belong to at least 10 individuals and are linked to local Native tribes. Starting January 21, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes, making this a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.

Next: 2025-23543 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology, Nashville, TN; East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; and University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, East Tennessee State University, and University of Tennessee have finished listing Native American human remains and artifacts they found. They’ve identified which tribes these remains belong to and are ready to return them starting January 21, 2026. This means Native American groups can soon reclaim their ancestors and cultural items with no cost involved.