new york – of American Museum of Natural History The museum will close two major galleries displaying Native American artifacts in response to new federal regulations that require it to obtain consent from tribes.
In December, the Department of the Interior expanded regulations put in place under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA) to require tribal consent for artifact display and research.
On Saturday, the museum’s Eastern Woodlands Hall and Great Plains Hall will be closed. Two displays were already empty on Friday.
The museum is also covering seven other display cases to ensure the collection is compliant.
“This is such an important part of American history, and it’s unfair not to acknowledge it and not give us the opportunity to explore it here in New York City,” said museum visitor Leslie Pramnyeks. .
On Friday, museum director Sean Decatur wrote in a letter to staff:
“The actions we are taking this week may seem sudden, but they reflect the growing urgency of all museums to change their relationship with and representation of Indigenous culture. The hall is a relic from a time when museums like ours were closed. “It does not respect Indigenous values, perspectives, and certainly our common humanity. Actions that may seem sudden to some But for others, it may seem like a long way off.”
Reactions from museum visitors were mixed.
“It makes perfect sense, it’s theirs, it’s their ancestors, it’s their tradition,” said Shana McCormick, from Cambria, California.
“I think they deserve tribal consent. It’s their people, it’s their culture,” another official said.
Hanna Jimenez, a Native American and Native American student at Columbia University, said, I think it’s a big win for us.” reservation.
But some visitors say the new rules go too far.
“We’ve had enough. What’s next? Are we going to rename Columbus Circle now?” Ricky Armstrong of Union Square said.
“I think everything has become too politicized,” said Brooklyn resident Ben Brandwein.
It’s unclear when the exhibit will reopen, and history buffs worry they’ll miss out on learning about American history.
“I feel like it’s upsetting. The fact that they’re trying to shut down expression and things that other people might be interested in learning about,” one person said.
The Eastern Woodlands exhibit is a popular destination for school field trips. Visits are currently suspended. But the museum says it remains committed to supporting education about Indigenous peoples.
The museum director said he will share more information as he considers the new rules and how to respond.
“As we work to better understand how to make the necessary changes, we expect there will be disruption to established practices and uncertainty, but we will continue to learn and engage with Indigenous communities,” Decatur said. There are also great opportunities to deepen our relationships.”
Meanwhile, the sudden closure meant that about 10,000 square feet of exhibition space was closed to visitors and staff, The New York Times reported.