Museum Returns Century-Old Pipe to Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return seven important cultural items, including a medicine pipe, to Native American tribes starting July 13, 2026. These items have deep cultural meaning and were originally acquired over a century ago. This repatriation honors Native heritage and ensures respectful handling of these treasured objects.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return Seven Cultural Items
The American Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate seven cultural items (a medicine pipe and its wrappings) that have cultural affiliation with the Blackfeet Tribe. The repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the items were accessioned by the Museum in 1905.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Process
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Handling Advisory for Potentially Hazardous Items
Museum records show that, in the past, potentially hazardous pesticides were applied to collections and records do not identify which objects were treated or which chemicals were used. People handling these items should follow advice from industrial hygienists or medical personnel with specialized occupational health training.
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.
2026-14720, 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.
2026-13984, 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 June 20, 2026, to be officially recognized. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or neighborhoods, now’s your chance to speak up by July 27, 2026. This process helps decide which spots get special protection, with no cost to the public but big benefits for history lovers everywhere!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11701, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
Next: 2026-11703, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI
The Milwaukee Public Museum plans to return three special Native American arrows to the tribes they belong to, starting July 13, 2026. These arrows, bought over a century ago, hold important cultural meaning for the Native groups connected to them. This repatriation respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no costs or hazards expected for the public.