Tennessee Museum Schedules Standard Artifact Repatriation
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum plan to return six groups of Native American cultural items to the tribes they belong to. These items, found in Tennessee and linked to the Mississippian period, will be repatriated starting August 21, 2026. This respectful return honors Native American traditions and involves no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return Six Tribal Items
The University of Tennessee and the Frank H. McClung Museum plan to repatriate six lots of unassociated funerary objects that are linked to the Mississippian period. The objects were removed in 1938 from site 40PK1 (Ocoee) in Polk County, Tennessee, and are identified as having cultural affiliation with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of Repatriation, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996, or via the provided email, and UTK will decide among competing requests or accept joint requests as a single request.
Repatriation Will Cost No Public Funds
The notice states the repatriation honors Native American traditions and involves no cost to the public. The University of Tennessee intends the return to occur on or after August 21, 2026 without charging the public for the repatriation.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14723, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN, and the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum have finished listing 33 Native American ancestors and their belongings from two historic sites in Tennessee. These remains and items, linked to local tribes, are ready to be returned starting August 21, 2026. This important step honors Native cultures and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Next: 2026-14725, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University is planning to return thousands of Native American cultural items, like stones and beads, to the tribes they belong to starting August 21, 2026. These items were found during local construction projects and have been kept at the university for decades. This repatriation respects Native heritage and helps protect important cultural history without affecting ongoing projects.