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The American Museum of Natural History announced the closure of two Native American exhibits on Friday, citing concerns over tribal consent.
The Manhattan museum, one of the most famous in the country, made the decision after the federal government passed regulations requiring museums receive assent from tribes before displaying cultural artifacts to the public.
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“The halls we are closing are artifacts of an era when museums such as ours did not respect the values, perspectives and indeed shared humanity of Indigenous peoples,” museum president Sean Decatur said in a Friday letter, according to The New York Times.
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The skeletal remains of a warrior discovered in Outer Mongolia in 1925 are displayed before their removal from public viewing at the American Museum of Natural History.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
He added, “Actions that may feel sudden to some may seem long overdue to others.”
The two canceled exhibits showcased Native American cultural items from the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains.
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President Biden’s administration has attempted to hasten the repatriation of Native American remains and cultural objects.
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New federal regulations were put into effect this month that expedite the processes outlined in the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Museums, universities, and other institutions are now required to begin repatriation of human remains or relevant cultural items within five years.
Messages for the public greet people upon arrival in the Halls of the Ancient Americas and the Hall of Northwest Coast and Arctic Peoples at the Field Museum in Chicago.(Chicago Tribune)
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A major change is the sweeping power given to tribal leaders and representatives in making claims on museum property and requesting repatriation.
The federal regulations rolled out earlier this month greatly loosen the burden of proof for tribes to make claims on objects or remains.
Institutional curators are required to “defer to the Native American traditional knowledge of lineal descendants, Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations” in lieu of missing historical documentation.
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
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Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
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