NY Museum Prepares to Return Native American Human Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This process helps honor Native cultures and follows important laws protecting their heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Eligible to Tohono O'odham
The American Museum of Natural History identified human remains representing at least nine Native American individuals that it has linked to the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona. Repatriation of these remains may occur on or after April 15, 2026; written requests must be sent to Nell Murphy, American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, email [email protected]. Any one or more of the tribal organizations named in the notice or a lineal descendant or tribe that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of evidence may request repatriation; if competing requests are received the Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor.
Pesticide Handling Advisory for Remains
Museum records show that in the past potentially hazardous pesticides were applied to items in the collection and records do not identify which objects were treated or which chemicals were used. People who handle these human remains or related materials should follow the advice of industrial hygienists or medical personnel with training in occupational health or hazardous substances.
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: 2026-05046, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington, DC, and Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
The U.S. Department of the Interior and Western Washington University plan to return 330 important cultural items to Native American tribes starting April 15, 2026. These items, found during 1954 excavations on Squaxin Island, include tools, bones, shells, and more, all connected to the tribes’ heritage. This repatriation respects tribal history and involves no costs or hazards to the public.
Next: 2026-05048, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stanford University plans to return a special string of stone beads, called cremation beads, to Native American tribes connected to Placerville, California. This repatriation can start on or after April 15, 2026. The beads were originally collected in 1946, and this action respects Native American traditions and history without any cost impact.