The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is closing two halls that feature Native American artifacts, citing their outdated nature and the need to respect Indigenous cultures. The decision comes as part of the museum's efforts to comply with recently revised federal regulations regarding the display of Indigenous human remains and cultural items. In October, the museum announced its plan to remove all human remains from public display and eventually repatriate them to Native American tribes and rightful owners.

Sean Decatur, the museum's president, stated in a letter to staff that the closure of the halls reflects a "growing urgency" among museums to change their relationships with tribes and how they exhibit Indigenous cultures. He acknowledged that the decision may feel sudden to some, but it is long overdue for others. This move follows similar actions taken by other institutions, including the Field Museum in Chicago and Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Shannon O'Loughlin, the head of the Association on American Indian Affairs, a national group advocating for compliance with federal requirements, welcomed the closures but emphasized that the true test lies in the repatriation of the removed items. She stated that covering displays or taking down items is not enough; the goal is to return objects back to tribes. Todd Mesek, a spokesperson for the Cleveland Museum of Art, which has also taken steps to comply with the regulations, mentioned that they are consulting with Native American groups to secure their consent for displaying certain items.

The revised regulations released by the U.S. Department of the Interior in December are related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. These changes include expanded requirements for consulting with and obtaining consent from tribes for the exhibition and research of Indigenous artifacts. Native American groups have long criticized museums and institutions for delaying the process of returning culturally significant items, which were often obtained through violence, theft, and looting.

Decatur clarified that the decision to close the halls entirely, rather than just covering or removing items, was due to their severe outdatedness. However, some displays in other parts of the museum, such as those showcasing Native Hawaiian items, will be covered. Decatur acknowledged that one consequence of the closures will be the suspension of school field trips to the Eastern Woodlands Hall, which has been a significant educational resource for students learning about Native American life in the Northeast.

The museum remains committed to supporting the teaching of Indigenous cultures and is reviewing the new federal regulations to understand their implications. O'Loughlin emphasized that the regulations make it clear that research and exhibition of native cultural heritage are not prohibited but require prior and informed consent.

The closures and coverings of exhibits in various museums across the United States reflect a broader effort to comply with the updated federal regulations and address the concerns of Indigenous communities. While the process of identifying and repatriating artifacts and remains may pose challenges, the aim is to ensure a respectful and timely return of these items to their rightful owners.