Museum to Return 14 Burial-Linked Cultural Items
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology at the University of Kentucky plans to return 14 Native American cultural items linked to burial sites to the rightful tribes. This repatriation can start on or after August 21, 2026, with no costs mentioned. It’s a respectful step to honor Native American traditions and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 14 Native Burial Items
The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology intends to return 14 unassociated funerary objects (one lot faunal, one awl splinter, and 12 dogs) that were removed from Site 15McL11 (the Ward/Cypress Creek Site) to affiliated Native American Tribes. The museum identifies a cultural affiliation with the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026, and additional written requests can be sent to Dr. Celise Chilcote-Fricker, William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology, University of Kentucky, 1020 Export Street, Lexington, KY 40504, or by the email listed in the notice.
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: 2026-14736, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY
The Buffalo Museum of Science plans to return a special woven plant fiber item, known as an Osage Mat, to the Osage Nation because it’s a sacred object used in their ceremonies. This repatriation may happen on or after August 21, 2026, and honors Native American cultural traditions. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring important cultural heritage.
Next: 2026-14738, Notice of Inventory Completion: William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology at the University of Kentucky has finished checking and listing 652 Native American human remains and 559 related objects. These items are linked to specific tribes and may be returned to them starting August 21, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, contact the museum soon to help honor these important cultural treasures.