Shelburne Museum Prepares to Repatriate Human Remains and Funerary Objects to Native American Tribes

Strategic Insights -

The Shelburne Museum in Vermont is taking a significant step towards reconciliation by repatriating the human remains of at least one individual and 13 associated funerary objects to 13 Native American tribes. The museum has completed an inventory and determination of cultural affiliation, establishing a connection with the Cayuga Nation, Delaware Nation, and other tribes. The associated funerary objects, including lithic tools, an animal bone awl, and pottery sherds, were intentionally placed with the remains as part of death rites. Written requests for repatriation should be sent to Alexander Kikutis, with the museum planning to return the items on or after August 27, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shelburne Museum has identified human remains of Native American ancestry and associated funerary objects, including lithic tools, animal bone awl, and pottery sherds, which were intentionally placed with the remains as part of death rites.
  • A connection has been established with 13 Native American tribes: Cayuga Nation, Delaware Nation, Oneida Indian Nation, Oneida Nation, Onondaga Nation, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Seneca Nation of Indians, Seneca-Cayuga Nation, Shinnecock Indian Nation, Stockbridge Munsee Community, Tonawanda Band of Seneca, and Tuscarora Nation.
  • Written requests for repatriation should be sent to Alexander Kikutis at nagpra@shelburnemuseum.org.
  • The museum will determine the most appropriate claimant in case of competing requests.
  • Repatriation is planned to occur on or after August 27, 2025.
  • The human remains and funerary objects were given to the museum in 1960, with the exact origin unknown but believed to be removed from New York.

Statistics:

  • 1 individual and 13 funerary objects are being repatriated to Native American tribes.
  • 13 Native American tribes are connected to the human remains and funerary objects.
  • 1960: the year the human remains and funerary objects were given to the museum.
  • August 27, 2025: the planned date for repatriation.
  • 13 funerary objects include: lithic tools, animal bone awl, faunal fragments, wood fragments, staurolite cruciform, agate, and pottery sherds.

Sources:

  • Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/28/2025-14155/notice-of-inventory-completion-shelburne-museum-shelburne-vt