Notice of Intended Repatriation: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The State Museum of Pennsylvania plans to return 10 groups of Native American cultural items, like pottery and pipes, to the tribes connected to them. These items were collected decades ago from sites in New Jersey and have been at the museum for years. The repatriation can start on or after March 4, 2026, with no costs expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return 10 Native American Lots
The State Museum of Pennsylvania intends to repatriate 10 lots of unassociated funerary objects (including pottery, pipes, chipped stone, groundstone, faunal and botanical remains, pigment, and related items) that were removed from sites in Sussex County, New Jersey, and Pike County, Pennsylvania between about 1931 and 2010. The items have been housed at the museum under various accessions and the repatriation may occur on or after March 4, 2026.
Three Tribes Identified as Affiliated
The State Museum of Pennsylvania determined a connection between the cultural items and the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma); Delaware Tribe of Indians; and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin. Those named Indian Tribes are identified as culturally affiliated with the items in this notice.
Who May Request Repatriation and Process Rules
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Joint requests are treated as a single request, and if competing requests are received the State Museum of Pennsylvania must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
No Public Costs Expected for Repatriation
The notice states that repatriation of the cultural items may begin on or after March 4, 2026, and that no costs are expected for the public related to this repatriation.
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: 2026-02019, Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Extensions of Credit to Insiders and Transactions With Affiliates
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules about loans to insiders and deals with affiliates. This affects banks and their insiders, who must keep sharing info to stay transparent. Comments on this renewal are open until March 4, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!
Next: 2026-02021, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
The State Museum of Pennsylvania plans to return 11 groups of Native American cultural items, like tools and personal objects, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation can start on or after March 4, 2026, and involves items collected from various Pennsylvania counties over the last century. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.