Notice of Inventory Completion: Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, Murray, KY
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory has completed an inventory of human re...
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory has completed an inventory of human remains and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
DATES:
Repatriation of the human remains in this notice may occur on or after July 22, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
Send written requests for repatriation of the human remains in this notice to Anthony Ortmann, Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, 334 Blackburn Sciences Building, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, email
aortmann@murraystate.edu.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, and additional information on the determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in its inventory or related records. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.
Abstract of Information Available
Human remains representing at least one individual have been identified. No associated funerary objects are present. On an unknown date in the 1970s, these remains were looted from an unnamed and unnumbered site in Stewart County, TN. These remains were donated to the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory in 2003. No known individuals were identified. There is no known exposure to hazardous substances.
Cultural Affiliation
Based on the information available and the results of consultation, cultural affiliation is reasonably identified by the geographical location of the human remains described in this notice.
Determinations
The Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory has determined that:
The human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of at least one individual of Native American ancestry.
There is a connection between the human remains described in this notice and the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Chickasaw Nation; and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Requests for Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation of the human remains in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified in this notice under
ADDRESSES
. Requests for repatriation may be submitted by:
1. Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice.
2. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice who shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the requestor is a lineal descendant or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation.
Repatriation of the human remains described in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after July 22, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the human remains are considered a single request and not competing requests. The Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice and any other consulting parties.
Authority:
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3003, and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.10.