San Diego's Museum of Us to Return Ancestral Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Museum of Us in San Diego has finished checking its collection and found human remains and objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these remains and items can be 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Museum Identifies Tribal Affiliation
The Museum of Us found human remains representing at least three Native American individuals and 1,511 associated funerary objects and determined they are culturally affiliated with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria (Verona Tract), California.
Repatriation Eligible Starting June 4, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after June 4, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Carmen Mosley, Associate Director of Repatriation, Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101, or by email to the address listed in the notice.
How Competing Repatriation Requests Are Resolved
If the Museum of Us receives competing requests for repatriation, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests submitted jointly by multiple requestors are treated as a single request, not competing requests.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-09876 — Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Denali National Park is setting a clear limit of 160 vehicles per day on the busy part of its main road during the summer visitor season, from just before Memorial Day to shortly after Labor Day. This change helps keep the park fun and peaceful for everyone while handling more visitors. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 17, 2026!
2026-09904 — Notice of Intent To Extend Concession Contracts at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service is extending contracts for businesses at Big South Fork and Fire Island parks to keep visitor services running smoothly. These extensions last until new contracts start or the listed expiration dates, so no service interruptions happen. This means the companies can keep operating without any immediate changes to fees or services.
2026-09517 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to renew its paperwork for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays clear and useful. If you dig into archeology or work with these permits, your feedback by July 13, 2026, can help shape how much paperwork you’ll handle. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-08763 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found some Native American items from Santa Cruz Island that belong to local tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and making sure these objects go back where they belong.
2026-08313 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Research Permit and Reporting System Applications and Reports
The National Park Service is asking to keep using its current system for research permits and reports without any changes. This affects researchers who need permits to study in national parks and helps keep paperwork simple. If you have thoughts, you can share them by June 29, 2026, but no new fees or big changes are coming.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08758 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
The State Museum of Pennsylvania has finished checking its collection and found human remains and burial items linked to Native American tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes. This process affects the museum, Native communities, and anyone interested in cultural heritage, with no costs mentioned but important timing to note.
Next: 2026-08760 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Museum of Us, San Diego, CA
The Museum of Us in San Diego plans to return 71 Native American cultural items, like stones, beads, and ornaments, to the tribes they belong to. These items were taken long ago from sites in California and will be repatriated starting June 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public, just a big step toward honoring history.