Press Release
November 6, 2023
The Henry Ford is Taking Significant Steps to Ensure Respectful Repatriation of Cultural Items as Defined by NAGPRA
(Dearborn, Mich. – Nov. 6, 2023) — The Henry Ford recently discovered Native American Cultural items that may be subject to NAGPRA, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The institution is embarking on a transformative journey guided by the principles of NAGPRA and taking significant steps to ensure the respectful repatriation of cultural items to their rightful Tribal nations, through a call for consultation. No ancestral remains were identified.
The Henry Ford is committed to respecting the cultural heritage of Native communities and aligning with the regulations of NAGPRA and will not hold or use any defined cultural items, remains, or funerary objects subject to NAGPRA repatriation.
The institution intends to share its NAGPRA journey and is committed to educating others about the importance of these regulations and ethical, respectful repatriation. The Henry Ford is actively inviting Tribal nations to consult as part of this process in an effort to further create an open dialogue with Tribal leaders and representatives.
For more information, please visit thehenryford.org/NAGPRA.
About The Henry Ford
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford is a globally recognized destination that fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts representing the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center, Giant Screen Experience and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. The Henry Ford inspires every individual to unlock their potential and help shape a better future through a variety of channels, including its online presence thehenryford.org, its Emmy®-winning national television series, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, and The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Worldwide, a global K-12 invention education curricular program that teaches students problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and creativity skills. With the support of a growing community of affiliates and supporters, The Henry Ford is the home of Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, Invention Convention Globals and Invention Convention Michigan
