Bioarchaeological collections currently housed at the Florida Museum of Natural History are primarily from archaeological sites across Florida.

These collections were excavated prior to the enactment of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act [NAGPRA]. The Museum is continuing its efforts to comply with NAGPRA regulations and its commitment to working with tribes and Indigenous people to facilitate respectful repatriation. While much work has occurred, much still remains to be done.  Consultations are underway and encouraged–please see contact information below.

In Florida there are a number of statutes that protect human remains. For specific information, see Florida’s Unmarked Burial Law and Chapter 872.02.

Currently these collections are under a research moratorium.

THE FLORIDA MUSEUM RECEIVES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NAGPRA GRANT

The Florida Museum was among 22 recent recipients of a National Park Service FY 2021 NAGPRA Repatriation Grant.  Dr. Neill Wallis and Donna Ruhl have been awarded a $90,000 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Consultation/Documentation grant.  This two-year award (September 2021-August 2023) includes consultation with Tribal partners on NAGPRA items within the Museum, including ancestral remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony.