Skidmore College Repatriates Burial-Linked Artifacts
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Skidmore College in New York plans to return four Native American cultural items, like a copper pendant and a gorget, to the tribes they belong to starting August 14, 2026. These items were found in local archaeological sites and are connected to Native American burial practices. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
College to Return Four Funerary Items
Skidmore College plans to return four unassociated funerary objects — one gorget, one lot of ochre, one lot of bone, and one copper pendant — that were collected from archaeological sites in Saratoga and Washington Counties, New York. Skidmore has identified a cultural affiliation with the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin, and repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated may submit a written request for repatriation to Siobhan Hart, Skidmore College, Department of Anthropology, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, email [email protected]. If competing requests are received, Skidmore College will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated 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.
2026-17198, 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.
2026-17186, 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!
2026-16388, 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: 2026-14166, Notice of Inventory Completion: Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Skidmore College has finished checking its collection and found human remains and special objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting August 14, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or deadlines beyond the start date for repatriation.
Next: 2026-14168, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has finished checking and listing human remains and related items from an old site in Winnebago County, WI. These remains belong to at least 34 Native American individuals and will be returned to the affiliated tribes starting August 14, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—this is a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.