Petersburg Battlefield to Dispose of Native Funerary Objects to Tribes
Published Date: 8/13/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Petersburg National Battlefield intends to carry out the disposition of associated funerary objects removed from Federal or Tribal lands to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization with priority for disposition in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Priority return to listed tribes
Petersburg National Battlefield intends to return four white marble grave markers (associated funerary objects) removed from Poplar Grove National Cemetery to lineal descendants or the Indian Tribes/Native organizations that have priority. The notice names the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Hannahville Indian Community; Little River Band of Ottawa Indians; Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (for John Kennewanche) and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; and the Stockbridge Munsee Community (for Gazick Maska/Mosca, Nippie Peaches, and Joseph Scott). The markers have been stored at Petersburg National Battlefield since 2017.
Claims deadline and unclaimed status
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written claim for these objects to Andrea DeKoter at Petersburg National Battlefield; claims may be submitted by those named in the notice or by others who can show priority. Disposition may occur on or after September 14, 2026, and if no claim is received by August 13, 2027 the associated funerary objects will become unclaimed associated funerary objects.
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.
2026-22736, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessioner Services Customer Satisfaction Survey
The National Park Service wants to start a new survey to see how happy visitors are with services from park concessioners, like gift shops and food vendors. They’re asking for public feedback on this plan by December 9, 2026. This helps make sure the survey is useful without causing too much hassle or cost for anyone involved.
2026-22670, 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 October 24, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by November 23, 2026. This affects communities, historians, and anyone who loves landmarks, with no costs involved—just your voice!
2026-22422, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is inviting everyone to share their thoughts on historic places nominated before October 10, 2026, for the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or neighborhoods, now’s your chance to speak up by November 18, 2026. This process helps decide which spots get official recognition, but it doesn’t cost you anything to join in!
2026-22325, Notice of Intent To Extend and Continue Concession Contracts and Award a Temporary Concession Contract
The National Park Service is extending and continuing some current concession contracts and will award one temporary contract to keep visitor services running smoothly while new contracts are being set up. This means no interruptions for park visitors, and the changes will take effect on specific dates listed by the NPS. These moves don’t guarantee any new contract rights but keep things running without a hitch.
2026-21222, Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Starting November 16, 2026, Denali National Park will officially limit the number of vehicles on the restricted part of Denali Park Road to 160 per day during the busy visitor season (from just before Memorial Day to after Labor Day). This change helps keep the park enjoyable and less crowded for everyone. Visitors planning trips during this time should be ready for this new vehicle cap, but no extra fees are involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16490, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg, VA
The National Park Service at Petersburg National Battlefield plans to return two old marble grave markers to the Native American descendants or tribes connected to the soldiers they honor. These markers, stored since 2017, will be available for claim starting September 14, 2026, with a deadline of August 13, 2027. If no one claims them by then, they’ll be considered unclaimed and handled accordingly.
Next: 2026-16492, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has finished checking and listing ancient Native American human remains and their belongings found near the Cahaba River in Alabama. These remains and items, linked to local tribes, can be returned starting September 14, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact UAB’s Anthropology Department soon!