University to Return Historic Conch Shell Wampum
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Franklin Pierce University plans to return a special cultural item—a Conch Shell Wampum—connected to Native American tribes, including the Delaware Nation and Stockbridge Munsee Community. This repatriation can happen starting August 14, 2026, honoring Native traditions and respecting their heritage. If you want to request the item, you can reach out before then.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Named Tribes to Receive Wampum
Franklin Pierce University plans to repatriate one Conch Shell Wampum that has a cultural affiliation with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), the Delaware Tribe of Indians, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community (Wisconsin). The repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
Other Claimants May Request Item
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named may submit a written request to claim the Conch Shell Wampum if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to A. Joseph Sarcinella, Drummond Woodsum, 84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, ME 04101 or by email to [email protected]; repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
How Competing or Joint Claims Are Handled
If competing requests for the Conch Shell Wampum are received, Franklin Pierce University must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests submitted jointly are treated as a single request and not competing. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
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: 2026-14185, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH
Franklin Pierce University plans to return a pottery pipe fragment linked to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, a Native American tribe. This item, found in New York, is believed to have been part of a burial ceremony. The repatriation can happen starting August 14, 2026, and anyone interested can send requests to the university.
Next: 2026-14187, Request for Information (RFI): Inviting Comments and Suggestions on Topic Areas for the NIDCR Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is asking everyone—from scientists to patient groups—to share ideas for its new 2027-2031 plan. This plan will guide important research and health improvements for teeth and faces, so your input can help shape future discoveries and treatments. Comments are due by September 14, 2026, and this is a great chance to influence where millions of research dollars go!