Boston Kids' Museum Returns Sacred Hawaiian Stone Lamps – Huh?
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
Boston Children's Museum plans to return two sacred stone lamps to the Native Hawaiian group Hui Iwi Kuamo'o starting October 30, 2026. These special items, bought in 1968, are important for traditional religious ceremonies. If you want to request repatriation, you need to contact the museum soon—no costs or hazards involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Two Sacred Stone Lamps
Boston Children's Museum intends to repatriate two sacred stone lamps (Pōhaku Poho) that it purchased in 1968 to the Native Hawaiian organization Hui Iwi Kuamo'o. The museum says both items are culturally affiliated with Hui Iwi Kuamo'o and repatriation may occur on or after October 30, 2026; the items were originally purchased from Joseph A. O'Leary and labeled as from Kauai.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are culturally affiliated or a lineal descendant; requests must be sent to Melissa Higgins at Boston Children's Museum (308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 or the museum email). If competing requests are received, the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after October 30, 2026.
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