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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
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!