Museum Returns One Native American Skull to Tribes
Published Date: 5/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia has finished checking its collection and found one Native American skull linked to several tribes. Starting June 18, 2026, these remains can be returned to the Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and Stockbridge Munsee Community. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
One Native American Remains Eligible
The Wistar Institute identified one Native American cranium that is culturally affiliated with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), Delaware Tribe of Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin. These human remains may be returned to those tribes on or after June 18, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Jeffrey Blair at The Wistar Institute (3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or the listed email). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the named tribes, or by a lineal descendant or tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Wistar Institute must decide which requestor is most appropriate; 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.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10030, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
The Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College plans to return two sacred Native American items—a special ulu and cutting board—back to their rightful family starting June 18, 2026. These items were made by an Inupiaq artist in Alaska and are important for traditional ceremonies today. If you’re connected or want to learn more, you can reach out to the museum soon!
Next: 2026-10032, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Ball State University plans to return two special Native American items—a felt hat and a beaded pouch—to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation can start on or after June 18, 2026, and is part of respecting Native American heritage. If you want more info or want to request the items, you can contact the university before then.