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Sites & Collections

Inventory

This page lists all identified NAGPRA-eligible ancestors and funerary objects that have been or are at Michigan State University. Each listing includes basic details, consultation status, and repatriation status. Additional documentation that is available upon request is also noted.

Summary

Information on the various objects present at Michigan State University, by geographic location, is available in the navigation bar to the right or by going to the State Level Object Lists page. To request an excel version of the State Level Object Lists from a specific state or states, please email the NAGPRA Program Manager at yannjess@msu.edu. 

For Additional Information

If you are a Tribal representative interested in reviewing any of the listed associated documentation or would like additional information on specific objects/cases, please email Dr. Jessica Yann, NAGPRA Program Manager, at yannjess@msu.edu.

You may also complete this NAGPRA Information Request form for more information.

How to use this page

This page is divided between active cases, pending returns, and completed cases. Each section is organized alphabetically by geographic location.

Active Cases

This section lists all cases that we are actively consulting on.

  • California
    Collection ID: Colorado River Ancestor

    Collection Description: The remains of one Ancestor were recovered from the Colorado River in California at an unknown date.

    Documents Available: No additional information is available on this ancestor.

    Inventory Status: Under consultation

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): Pending

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Pending

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): Pending

Pending Return

 

  • Colorado

    Collection ID: 2004.46.73; 2008.85.12; 2008.85.13; 2008.85.16

    Collection Description: Three ancestors were identified within our collections from Montezuma County, Colorado (the vicinity of Mesa Verde).

    Documents Available: We have limited documentation for these individuals, including:

    • Skeletal Examination Form
    • Original Catalog Card for 2004.46.73

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice (link to notice) published on August 30, 2022.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 27, 2022 to the culturally affiliated Tribes:

    • Colorado River Indian Tribes of the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Arizona and California
    • Hopi Tribe of Arizona
    • Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico (previously listed as Pueblo of Santo Domingo)
    • Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah
    • Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico (previously listed as Pueblo of San Juan)
    • Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Chochiti, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico
    • Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado
    • Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation, Utah
    • Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (previously listed as Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado, New Mexico & Utah)
    • Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (previously listed as Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of Texas)
    • Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): We are still awaiting a Tribe to request the physical return of these Ancestors.

     

     

  • New Mexico

    Collection ID: Kite Pueblo (LA-199)

    Collection Description: Three ancestors were identified from archaeological excavation conducted in 1994 at the site of Kite Pueblo (LA-199) in Torrance County, New Mexico. There are no identified associated funerary objects.

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological reports for this work (both the field report and the burial report) on file and available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice that was published on August 30, 2022.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 27, 2022 to all of the culturally affiliated Tribes listed below.

    • Hope Tribe of Arizona
    • Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of San Felipe, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of San Juan, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of San Ildefonso, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Sandia, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Santa Ana, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Santo Domingo, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Tesuque, New Mexico
    • Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico
    • Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of Texas
    • Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): We are still awaiting a Tribe to request the physical return of these Ancestors.

Completed Cases

This section lists all cases that we have completed, whether through transfer or return or repatriation. This list is maintained for transparency purposes. You may request additional information on any completed cases by contacting the NAGPRA Program Manager or completing the NAGPRA Information Request form.

  • Alaska

    Alaska

    Collection Description: One individual labeled as being from Kodiak, Alaska

    Documents Available: We have no associated documentation for this individual on file.

    Published to Federal Register: November 6, 2020 in the Federal Register listing

    Transfer of Legal Control: Completed on December 23, 2020.

    Repatriated: May 20, 2022 to the Sun'aq Tribe of Kodiak.

  • Arizona

    Arizona

    Collection ID: 2005.59.1

    Collection Description: On May 28, 2019, multiple bags containing Ancestral remains were found in the Michigan State University's Forensic Anthropology Laboratory, under the label of "cave dweller prehistoric AZ." In July 2019, a ceramic vessel was confirmed to be associated with the Ancestor, labeled as a "Gila Crematory urn."

    The ancestor and vessel were acquired by Michigan State University as part of the Boudeman Collection.  On October 10, 1961, the Michigan State University Museum acquired the Boudeman Collection from Mrs. Donna Boudeman, whose husband, Donald Boudeman, collected in Alaska, Siberia, and continental North America in the 1920s and 1930s.

    Documents Available: We have the original catalog card for the ceramic vessel and the accession inventory on file.

    Published to the Federal Register: September 11, 2020 in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice).

    Transfer of Legal Control: Completed on November 19, 2025 to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona.

     Repatriated: Pending

  • Bahamas

     

    Collection ID: 6498CW

    Collection Description: 4 individuals labeled as from Watlings Island, Bahamas

    Documentation Available: Object record report for 6498CW and a skeletal summary available upon request.

    Returned: Returned to the Antiquities, Monuments, and Museums Corporation, National Museum of the Bahamas on October 28, 2024.

  • California

    Collection ID: 2007.77.2

    Collection Description: One ancestor was identified in the collection as from Sacramento County, California.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on January 30, 2023 and can be viewed here (pdf).

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for this ancestor was transferred to Wilton Rancheria, California on March 22, 2023.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): Physical transfer was completed on May 1, 2024.

     

     

  • Florida

    Collection ID: Cedar Key State Museum, Levy County

    Collection Description: One ancestor and one lot of associated funerary objects.

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal examination form and object report documentation available for this individual and associated funerary objects.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were both included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 24, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 30, 2020 to the following Tribes:

    • Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
    • Seminole Tribe of Florida
    • The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These ancestors were physically returned to the Seminole Tribe of Florida on March 9, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Palma Sola Shell Mound, Manatee County (6506CW)

    Collection Description: One ancestor was identified having been removed from the Palma Sola Shell Mound.

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal inventory form and object report for 6506CW available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were both included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 24, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred on October 30, 2020 to the following Tribes:

    • Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
    • Seminole Tribe of Florida
    • The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These ancestors were physically returned to the Seminole Tribe of Florida on March 9, 2022.

     

     

  • Illinois

    Collection ID: Zimmerman Site

    Collection Description: Ancestral remains from the Zimmerman site were found in the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory, from Margaret Kimball Brown's dissertation work. These Ancestors were returned to the Illinois State Museum who is completing NAGPRA compliance on all the Ancestors from this site.

    Returned/Transferred: Illinois State Museum in March of 2022.

     

  • Indiana

    Collection ID: 6505CW

    Collection Description: A single ancestor that was removed from a mound in La Porte County, Indiana.

    Documents Available: Object record report for 6505CW and skeletal summary are available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  This individual was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for July 6, 2021.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control was transferred to the Tribes requesting it on October 15, 2021.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): This ancestor was returned to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on November 12, 2021.

  • Michigan

     

     

    Michigan

    Alcona County

    Collection ID: FA 054-17

    Collection Description: On September 9, 2017, human remains were discovered during the excavation of a building site. The property owner notified the Alcona County Sheriff's office of the discovery. The remains were brought for analysis to the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory, located at Michigan State University. The individual is an adult male, somewhere between 30 to 60 years of age. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: Forensic Anthropology Lab Report, Sheriff's Office Incident Report,

    Receipt of Evidence

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This notice for this individual was published in the Federal Register (link to published notice) on September 8, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred to the following Tribes on October 20, 2020:

    • Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan
    • Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan
    • Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan
    • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan
    • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
    • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Antrim County

    Collection ID: Antrim Creek, 6839

    Collection Description: On August 29, 1928, human remains were discovered by local resident Norton Pearl. On January 4, 1989, Mr. Pearl's descendant, Betty Beeby, donated the remains to the Michigan State University Museum in 1989. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available:

    -NAGPRA Human Skeletal Inventory
    -NAGPRA Summary Form
    -6839 Catalog Card
    -Antrim City modern map
    -Antrim Creek Site Report Continued
    -Antrim Notes (compiled by JLY)
    -Banks Twp Plat Map Dated 1910 Showing Location of Antrim City
    -Key to An Indian Skeleton Antrim Creek Site Report
    -Letter from Norm Sauer Re: Human Skeletal Remains

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 11, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred to the following Tribes on October 20, 2020:

    • Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan
    • Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan
    • Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan
    • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan
    • Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan
    • Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan
    • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
    • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These Ancestors were returned to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians on June 1, 2023.

     

    Collection ID:  Zimmer, 20AN64, Accession 2590

    Collection Description: On July 27, 1966, human remains (MNI = 1) and funerary items were disturbed during house foundation construction. The property owner contacted Michigan State University, which excavated and took possession of the remains.

    Documents Available: Zimmer Archaeological Survey Record

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 11, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred to the following Tribes on October 20, 2020:

    • Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan
    • Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan
    • Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan
    • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan
    • Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan
    • Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan
    • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
    • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These Ancestors were returned to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians on June 1, 2023.

       

    Arenac County

    Collection ID: 4321, Au Gres Site, 20AC19

    Collection Description: On August 14, 1971, human remains and funerary items were encountered by a construction crew. On October 23, 1974, the Arenac County Historical Society and the construction crew donated the remains to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 1, AFO = 66)

    Documents Available: Archaeological Site form, 4321 Accession Record, Catalog Card, NAGPRA Skeletal Inventory Summary

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to publication) for September 11, 2020.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for these ancestors was transferred to the following Tribes on October 20, 2020:

    • Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan
    • Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan
    • Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan
    • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan
    • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
    • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Barry County

    Collection ID: 2004.46.2

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered on a mound near Thornapple River. The remains were collected and kept as part of the T (F?) Chapman Collection in Middleville, Michigan. The remains were then acquired by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Southwest Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains and parts of Mr. Boudeman's collection to the Michigan State University Museum. MNI = 1, AFO = 0

    Documents Available: We have the object catalog card for 2004.46.2 available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi on February 17, 2021.

     

    Bay County

    Collection ID: Marquette Viaduct, 20BY387, Accession 3675

    Collection Description: On August 28 and 29, 1970, human remains were excavated by Michigan State University. The University, under contract with the City of Bay City, conducted preliminary testing near a proposed future Marquette Viaduct replacement. This initial block excavation revealed two burials, containing a minimum of three individuals. Burial 1 also contained several associated funerary objects. MNI = 3, AFO = 17

    Documents Available:

    • Archaeological site form
    • Forensic Anthropology Laboratory Report & Appendix
    • Marquette Viaduct Locale Archaeological Report
    • Accession records
    • Field notes

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice (you can access it here as a pdf) published on October 28, 2021.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Fletcher, 20BY28

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 9, 1996 for 145 individuals and 65,160 associated funerary objects.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors and associated funerary objects were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan on October 11, 1996 and October 15, 1996.

     

    Berrien County

    Collection ID: 6365CW

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered on a farm that was originally a Native American cemetery. Paul Wynn, the property owner, gave the remains to Eugene Davis. Mr. Davis then gave the remains to the Chamberlain Memorial Museum, which was located in Three Oaks, Michigan. In 1916, the Chamberlain Memorial Museum was founded by Mr. Edward K. Warren. Mr. Warren named the Museum after Henry Chamberlain, his father‐in‐law. In September of 1952, Michigan State College Museum (now the Michigan State University Museum) acquired the contents of the Chamberlain Memorial Museum from Fred P. Warren, President of the Board of Trustees of the E. K. Warren Foundation.

    Documents Available: Object catalog cards and the skeletal summary available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on November 11, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: 6453 CW

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered and became part of the William Bard Collection, which was acquired by the Chamberlain Memorial Museum, which was located in Three Oaks, Michigan. In 1916, the Chamberlain Memorial Museum was founded by Mr. Edward K. Warren. Mr. Warren named the Museum after Henry Chamberlain, his father‐in‐law. In September of 1952, Michigan State College Museum (now the Michigan State University Museum) acquired the contents
    of the Chamberlain Memorial Museum from Fred P. Warren, President of the Board of Trustees of the E. K. Warren Foundation.

    Documents Available: Object catalog cards and the skeletal summary available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on November 11, 2020.

     

    Branch County

    Collection ID: 2004.46.1

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains (MNI=1) were acquired by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Southwest Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains and parts of Mr. Boudeman's collection to the Michigan State University Museum.

    Documents Available: We have the original object catalog card available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.

     

    Calhoun County

    Collection ID: Duck Lake Mound, 20CA16

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were removed from a mound by an unknown individual. An unknown individual then transferred the remains to the Chamberlain Memorial Museum, which was located in Three Oaks, Michigan. In 1916, the Chamberlain Memorial Museum was founded by Mr. Edward K. Warren. Mr.
    Warren named the Museum after Henry Chamberlain, his father‐in‐law. In September of 1952, Michigan State College Museum (now the Michigan State University Museum) acquired the contents of the Chamberlain Memorial Museum from Fred P. Warren, President of the Board of Trustees of the E. K. Warren Foundation.

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal inventory summary and catalog cards (for objects within 1645) available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.

     

    Cass County

    Collection ID: 2004.46.58

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, this individual was acquired by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains to the Michigan State University Museum. The database record indicates this individual was recovered from a mound in Cass County, Michigan, though it also erroneously refers to the individual as an infant, rather than an adult.

    Documents Available: We have the original catalog card available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published to the Federal Register (link to publication) on November 10, 2022.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on May 11, 2023.

     

    Charlevoix County

    Collection ID: 2004.46.72

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were acquired from Beaver Island by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Southwest Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains and parts of Mr. Boudeman's collection to the Michigan State University Museum.

    Documents Available: We have the original unprovenienced artifact summary along with the object catalog card for 2004.46.72 available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Cheboygan County

    Collection ID: Jamet Street, 20CN98

    Collection Description: Several ancestors (MNI=3) were located at an unknown time in Mackinaw City, Michigan and were excavated by the Michigan Bureau of History. They were brought to Michigan State University to be identified by the physical anthropologists. At some point, it was determined that the ancestors were still controlled by Mackinac State Historic Parks and possession was transferred back to that agency. These ancestors may have been included in that agency's Federal Register Notice from December 4, 2008.

    Returned/Transferred: Mackinac State Historic Parks

     

    Chippewa County

    Collection ID: Fort Brady, 20CH51

    Collection Description: In 1976 and 1977, human remains were excavated by Michigan State University, during the field work for the Sault Ste. Marie Archaeological Project.

    Documents Available:  We have the original accession record (4513), skeletal inventory, and archaeological site form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.

     

    Clinton County

    Collection ID: Matthews Site (20CL61)

    Collection Description: During the spring of 1966, human remains (MNI=6) and funerary items (AFO=93) were disturbed by Clyde Anderson, a resident of St. Johns, Michigan. Mr. Anderson explored the area in search of an early nineteenth‐century Native American village. He removed the human remains and later re‐buried them in the summer of 1966. He then loaned the funerary items found at the site to Michigan State University but kept many of the intact and more appealing items.

    During 1966, human remains and funerary items were uncovered by the Upper Grand Valley Chapter of the Michigan Archaeological Society (UGVC). The UGVC donated the remains and cultural items to Michigan State University, which accessioned them in 1970.

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological site form, forensic report, artifact inventory, excavation square sheets, site report, and and article published in the Michigan Archaeologist 18(4) available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Cutler (20CL108)

    Collection Description: In 1969, human remains (MNI=17) and funerary objects (AFO=32) were excavated/salvaged by Michigan State University graduate student Marla Buckmaster. Buckmaster removed the human remains and cultural items from a gravel pit located on private property.

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological site form, limited field notes and excavation records, skeletal inventory, and the "Looking Glass River Archaeological Project" survey report on file and available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Eaton County

    Collection ID: Sunfield Black

    Collection Description: These individuals were located by a private land owner when plowing behind his barn. The burials were uncovered and sent to MSU. MSU excavated the area where the burials originated, locating fire-cracked rock and stone tool debitage. These artifacts are being considered associated funerary objects based on the location they were recovered from. The artifacts were accessioned into the collections as 4335.13. (MNI = 2, AFO = 15)

    Documents Available: We have the following documentation: the skeletal assessment form, the archaeological report summarizing the discovery, and an artifact inventory.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These individuals were published to the Federal Register (link to published notice) on September 8, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Emmet County

    Collection ID: F.5.0

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains and funerary objects were discovered in Emmet County, MI. Before January 26, 1984, the remains were sent by the Lakehead Pipe Line Company of Superior, WI to the Petoskey Michigan State Patrol. After January 26, 1984, the remains and funerary objects were brought to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. (MNI = 1, AFO = 1)

    Documents Available: We have the skeletal inventory form and some additional notes that were found in the box on file.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: FA-045-17

    Collection Description: On September 26, 2017, human remains were discovered in a wooded area on private property and were collected by the Grayling Crime Lab. On September 29, 2017, the Michigan State Police, Gaylord Post, brought the remains to Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Joseph Hefner. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the forensic anthropology laboratory report, a receipt of evidence, and release of property form on file and available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: F.2.69 and 4160

    Collection Description: F.2.69 came to Michigan State University as a police case. The remains of a likely coffin burial were recovered by a metal detectorist in 1969 along Five Mile Creek in Emmet County, Michigan. He alerted the local police. The officer disinterred several additional elements, along with several ‘metal chips’ and a ‘medallion’, as noted in the police report. The remains, along with the objects, were received by Charles Cleland, Curator of Anthropology for the MSU Museum, on February 26, 1971. It appears that additional remains and objects were recovered by the Michigan State Police in May of 1972 and brought to MSU. The accession record (accession 4160) states that the State Police donated the collection to MSU. We have a police case file available to Tribal representatives upon request.

    The associated funerary objects include glass beads, silver brooches, silver earrings, and other objects. We have the catalog cards for the artifacts, but no additional documentation on file. (MNI = 1, AFO = 572)

    Documents Available: We have the original police report, accession record, and catalog cards available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for May 18, 2023.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): This ancestor was returned to the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians on September 16, 2023.

     

    Emmet or Cheboygan County

    Collection ID: Mackinaw City

    Collection Description: The history of this collection is unknown. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal inventory form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Genesee County

    Collection ID: Stone Street, 20GS136

    Collection Description: In January of 2008, house construction in Flint unearthed human skeletal remains. These initially identified individuals were transferred to Michigan State University, where the physical anthropologists identified a minimum of two individuals, at least one of which was male. There were no associated funerary objects reported.  Working under direction from the landowner (the Genesee County Land Bank), Michigan State University transferred possession of the ancestors to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan on April 3, 2013.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan on April 3, 2013.

     

    Gogebic County

    Collection ID: Wakefield

    Collection Description: On June 25, 1990, a local resident discovered human remains in a bag of topsoil delivered to her from the Wakefield Department of Public Works. One of the Department’s employees received the topsoil from graves located at Lakeside Cemetery on old US‐2 in Wakefield, Gogebic County, Michigan. The soil was removed from graves, which were dug in April and May of 1990 and deposited on the easterly border of the Lakeside Cemetery. On an unknown date, the human remains were brought for analysis to the Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documentation Available: We have 2 police reports and the skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.

     

    Huron County

    Collection ID: Kleinfeld

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered at the Kleinfeld Site. They were later brought to the Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal inventory form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Pinnebog

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered at the Pinnebog Site, which may be in Huron County. They were later brought to the Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have a skeletal inventory form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Huron/Sanilac County

    Collection ID: FA 039-06

    Collection Description: On August 1, 2006, a complaint was filed with the Howard City Police Department about human remains that had been kept in an attic since 1950. The complainant's father passed away in 1950, and the remains were kept in an attic until the complainant (who asked the police to remain anonymous) alerted the police. In 1920, the complainant's father found the remains near the Lake Huron shore, eroding out of the north side of a creek that used to run into the Lake, possibly where Huron County and Sanilac County meet. The complainant's father believed the area was an Indian burial ground. On the south side of the creek, there was a Native American camp. (MNI = 7, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: The following documentation is available upon request:

    • Email correspondence between the police and Dr. Norm Sauer (Physical anthropologist at MSU)
    • Release of Evidence forms fro Howard City PD
    • Forensic anthropology report and worksheet
    • Police Report

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These individuals were listed in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Ingham County

    Collection ID: Root

    Collection Description: In September of 1956, human remains and funerary items were disturbed by a group of Girl Scouts who were playing on a sandy knoll near the Grand River south of Lansing, MI. In the summer of 1957, human remains and funerary objects were excavated by Michigan State University Museum under the direction of Dr. Moreau S. Maxwell, Professor of Anthropology, and Rollin Baker, Director of the MSU Museum. Additional help came from Birt Darling and other members of the Upper Grand Valley Chapter of the Michigan Archeological Society. Dr. Maxwell is credited, in documentation, as the collector of the human remains and cultural items. (MNI = 2, AFO = 25)

    Documents Available:

    • Archaeological site form
    • Skeletal inventory sheet
    • Catalog cards
    • Letter from Darling to Maxwell summarizing work in 1958
    • Excerpt from Davis 1975 summarizing early work at the site
    • Griffin 1962 article

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Ionia County

    Collection ID: Ionia

    Collection Description: The collection history is unknown for this collection. (MNI = 3, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: The only documentation available for these individuals is the skeletal inventory sheet.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Muir, Accession 3350

    Collection Description: On March 4, 1958, the Central Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Archeological Society donated human remains and funerary items to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 1, AFO = 8)

    Documents Available:

    • Skeletal inventory sheet
    • Accession record
    • Catalog cards

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: 1031, Portland

    Collection Description: In 1890, human remains were discovered on the Grand River a few miles south of Portland, MI. The remains were discovered by Henry Clay Newman, a local resident of the area who removed the remains from a mound near Shimnecon, a former Native American village. On May 8, 1959, Mrs. David Baldwin and Henry Clay Newman donated the remains to the Michigan State University Museum. The donors thought the remains were those of Chief Okemos. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available:

    • Accession record
    • Letter from Ionia Historical Society
    • Skeletal inventory summary and form
    • Newspaper articles
    • Handwritten notes and transcription
    • Notes from History of Ionia County
    • Letter from Sheline to Newman, 1930
    • Image of field where remains were supposedly found

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Iosco County

    Collection ID: Brandt, 20IS46 (Accession 5279)

    Collection Description: In 1980, human remains and funerary items were discovered in a Late Archaic cemetery. Property owner, William Brandt, encountered the remains during trenching construction. The site was then excavated by Ms. Barbara Mead, Assistant Archaeologist of the Michigan Bureau of History and Robert Kingsley, Michigan State University graduate student. The remains were then placed in the care of Michigan State University while they were examined by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer and graduate student David A. Barondess. On September 11, 2019, the State of Michigan transferred control of two associated funerary items to Michigan State University. (MNI = 11, AFO = 2)

    Documents Available:

    • Skeletal inventory
    • Archaeological site form
    • Michigan Archaeologist 31(3) article on site

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Jackson County

    Collection ID: Sanuskar, 20JA150

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2013 for 10 ancestors and no associated funerary objects. 

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi on May 7, 2014.

     

    Kalamazoo County

    Collection ID: Vicksburg, 2007.77.4, 2007.77.5

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, these individuals were acquired by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains to the Michigan State University Museum. The database record indicates this individual was recovered from a mound near Vicksburg, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the original catalog cards for both numbers available.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for May 18, 2023.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi on April 15, 2024.

     

    Collection ID: 2004.46.74

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were acquired by Kalamazoo resident, Donald Boudeman, who collected Southwest Native American material culture in the first half of the twentieth century. In July 1961, years after her husband's death, Donna Boudeman donated the human remains and parts of Mr. Boudeman's collection to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the original catalog card for 2004.46.74 available, as well as the skeletal summary.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi on February 17, 2021.

     

    Lapeer County

    Collection ID: Childers, 20LP98

    Collection Description: In 1977, human remains and funerary items were disturbed during the construction of a house basement. On March 24, 1977, the Michigan State University Museum conducted a salvage excavation to recover the remains and cultural items for the Museum. (MNI = 29, AFO = 122)

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological site report, site photos, individual burial reports (including inventories, skeletal summaries), field notes, maps, newspaper articles, survey forms, and a site inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Scott Mound, 20LP349

    Collection Description: In 1976, human remains were discovered by Glen J. Martin of Davidson, Michigan. The site was owned by Mr. Scott of Washburn Road. The remains were partially excavated by Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin then contacted the Dr. William Lovis, Michigan State University Museum Curator of Anthropology, while Dr. Lovis was excavating the Childers site. On December 4, 1976, Mr. Martin donated the remains to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological site form, accession record, Scott Mound Archaeological Survey Report, and skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: MSP Lapeer 38-2792-86

    Collection Description: On November 22, 1986, human remains were discovered behind the property. The Michigan State Police were alerted. The Police assigned a case number (38‐2792‐86) and brought the remains to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. (MNI = 3, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the police report, inventory, and skeletal inventory sheet available.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: MSP Lapeer 3513-73

    Collection Description: On an unknown date human remains were discovered and transferred from the Michigan State Policy to the Michigan State University Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for analysis. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the skeletal inventory sheet available.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Leelanau County

    Collection ID: Leelanau County Sheriff Case 2056-68

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Department was alerted to the discovery of human remains. The Sheriff’s Department assigned a case number (2056‐68) and brought the remains to Michigan State University’s Anthropology Forensic Laboratory. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the skeletal inventory form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Lenawee County

    Collection ID: F.2.71

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered and recovered by the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department. On June 15, 1971, the remains were then brought to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the police summary and skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for this individual was published on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: Lenawee (1998)

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, human remains were discovered and recovered by the Lenawee County Sheriff's Department. The remains were never assigned a case number. On June 16, 1998, the Sheriff's Department brought the remains to Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for analysis. (MNI = 1, AFO =0)

    Documents Available: We have the skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for this individual was published on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.

     

    Livingston County

    Collection ID: Horizon Hills, 20LV371

    Collection Description: On June 21, 1962, human remains were brought to the State Police Crime Lab. On July 13, 1962, the Crime Lab’s Detective Sgt. Arthur Kivela donated the remains to Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available:  We have the 2221 accession record, catalog card, and skeletal inventory available.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Mackinac County

    Collection ID: Bois Blanc

    Collection Description: The history of this collection is unknown. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documentation Available: We have the skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register notice (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: F.1.79

    Collection Description: On an unknown date, the Michigan State Police, Negaunee Post acquired human remains. On October 11, 1979, the Police then sent the remains to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the police summary and skeletal inventory available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register notice (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.

     

    Collection ID: Gros Cap Site, 20MK6

    Collection Description: The Gros Cap site includes a large village and associated cemetery. It is part of the Gros Cap Archaeological District, which also includes the adjacent Campfire site (20MK7). The original cemetery is one of the oldest continuously used Ottawa cemeteries, with use starting in the late seventeenth century. In 1889, the cemetery was platted and fenced, and is the present Moran Township Cemetery. The collection from this site was created by Orr Greenlees, who owned property adjacent to the cemetery. As modern burials were excavated in the cemetery, older burials and village deposits would be encountered. Many were reburied, but some items were collected. Greenlees also encountered village artifacts on his property, and eventually ended up with items from both the cemetery and village.

    Orr Greenlees' collection was acquired by Alicia Mackin in 1970, who initially loaned it to Michigan State University for analysis, then later donated it in 1976.  Greenlees made some notes regarding the provenience of the objects; every attempt was made using this information to keep objects originating from the same context together. (MNI = 8, AFO = 51, UFO = 167)

    Documentation Available: Gros cap catalog cards, archaeological site form, Greenlees collection letters, Nern & Cleland (article on the Greenlees collection), site photos, NRHP Archaeological District Nomination Form.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The ancestors and associated funerary objects were included in the Federal Register notice (link to published notice) for July 19, 2021.

    The unassociated funerary objects were included in the Federal Register notice (link to published notice) for September 12, 2023.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): ): The ancestors and associated funerary objects were returned to the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on June 14, 2023.

    The unassociated funerary objects were returned to the Sault Ste Marie Tribe on November 14, 2023.

     

    Collection ID: Lasanen, 20MK21

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 1998, for 137 individuals and 18,622 associated funerary objects.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors and associated funerary objects were returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians during a consultation held on October 29, 1998.

     

    Collection ID: Marquette Mission, 20MK82

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2016 for three ancestors and three associated funerary objects.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors and objects were transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan on May 6, 2016.

     

    Mecosta County

    Collection ID: Rodney Mound, Accession 2877

    Collection Description:  On an unknown date, human remains were discovered and removed from "Indian mound". During October 1965, R. Leverette, a local resident, donated the remains to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 5, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the catalog card for 2877 and the skeletal inventory form available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on November 16, 2020.

     

    Midland County

    Collection ID: 20MD310, FA 040-17

    Collection Description: On June 30, 2017, human remains were disturbed during house foundation construction. The property owner contacted a representative of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan who stated that the site was of a single grave and not a burial ground. They also contacted the Michigan State Police, which assigned the remains a case number (FA 040‐17). On July 17, 2017, they were brought to Michigan State University's Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Joseph Hefner. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: We have the police report, forensic anthropology laboratory report, and initial assessment available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) on September 11, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Monroe County

    Collection ID: MSP Case 58-1951

    Collection Description: On July 28, 1958, human remains were disturbed during the construction of a private boating club. Two construction workers discovered the remains when they uprooted the stump of an Elm tree to level the surface. The remains were embedded in the roots of the tree. The workers alerted the Michigan State Police, who assigned the remains with a case number (58‐1951). On October 4, 2017, the remains were found at Michigan State University's Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. (MNI = 2, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: Michigan State Police Report; Skeletal inventory

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  These individuals were published to the Federal Register (link to published notice) on September 8, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on December 15, 2020.

     

    Oakland County

    Collection ID: 20OK545, FA-033-17

    Collection Description: This collection was in the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory (FAL) in August of 2021, when the lab was moved from Fee Hall to Giltner Hall. It arrived at the FAL in 2017 from a private individual who had located the burials on their property as a child (in 1961). Other burials had been found previously in that location. It is unclear if the remains brought into the lab were new finds, or from that initial recovery in 1961. An image present with the forensic casefile would suggest several burials were present, potentially a cemetery site. The site has archaeological site number 20OK545. A single piece of charcoal is present. (MNI = 2, AFO = 1)

    Documents Available: We have a newspaper clipping, images, and other notes from the forensic case file available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion for these ancestors was published to the Federal Register (link to publication) on November 10, 2022.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi on April 25, 2023.

     

    Ontonagon County

    Collection ID: Ontonagon County

    Collection Description: Little information is present regarding this particular case. It likely came in as a forensic case, and was present in the FAL in 2004.  There were a minimum of two ancestors present. These ancestors were initially listed on the Michigan State University’s NAGPRA inventory; however, it was determined that control of these ancestors remained with the local police agency and at an unknown date (after April of 2014 but prior to January 2015) possession was transferred to that agency.

     

    Saginaw County

    Collection ID: Casassa, 20SA1021

    Collection Description: Between August 14, 1991 and October 10, 1991, human remains were excavated from the Cassasa site as part of a pipeline project. On October 30, 1989, Braun Intertec Environmental, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota (Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership's environmental consultant) allowed the Great Lakes Research (GLR) of Williamston, Michigan (reorganized as Great Lakes Research Associates, Inc. (GLRA) as of January 1 1993) to proceed with cultural resource
    management surveys of a number of properties associated with the pipeline. The results of the surveys were used to satisfy Section 106 requirements and were submitted to both the Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for review.

    Preservation in place was not a viable management option for several sites, including the Cassasa site. Mitigative excavation of construction‐affected portions of these sites was agreed to by Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership, the Michigan SHPO, FERC, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. GLRA was subsequently contracted to provide the necessary mitigation services for these sites. Upon discover of the human remains, the Michigan State Police and Saginaw County coroner were contacted. After obtaining disinterment permits from the Saginaw County Department of Public Health, the remains were brought to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. (MNI = 8, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available:

    • Archaeological site form
    • Skeletal Assessment from Ph III report
    • Phase III archaeological report (3 volumes)

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Mount Lion, 20SA202

    Collection Description: In October/November 1966, human remains and funerary objects were discovered during field plowing. In 1963, Donald W. Foster obtained permission from landowner Wellington and Jessie Leach to collect. Mr. Foster enlisted the assistance of Dr. Charles E. Cleland, Curator of Anthropology at the Michigan State University Museum, in the removal of a mountain lion skull, which was found in a "normal position" facing east. On November 30, 1966, the human remains and funerary object were brought to Donald R. Hagge, M.D,. of Northville, Michigan, for analysis. In October 1968, Mr. Foster donated the remains and funerary object to the Michigan State University Museum. (MNI = 4, AFO = 1)

    Documents Available: Skeletal inventory sheet, accession record, Foster & Hagge (1968) article, original images, catalog cards.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Frazer-Tyra

    Collection Description: In the 1980s, human remains and funerary objects were discovered by the landowner (possibly Mr. Frazer) during road construction. The landowner alerted Michigan State Police (either Bridgeport or Saginaw Post), who then contacted State Archaeologist John Halsey. Mr. Halsey confirmed that the remains were ancient. Although the Police claimed that they collected all of the human remains from the site, Mr. Halsey had state consultant James Payne excavate the site with a group of volunteers. Mr. Payne and Mr. Halsey both agreed that the excavated remains and items should be donated to Michigan State University (MSU) rather than to Central Michigan University, because MSU had a physical anthropologist and housed collections from surrounding areas of the site. In 1988, Mr. Payne (acting as a representative of the state of Michigan) donated the remains and cultural items to either Dr. William Lovis or Dr. Charles Cleland. (MNI = 2, AFO = 34)

    Documents Available: archaeological site form, catalog cards, skeletal inventory sheet.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

      

    Collection ID: 20SA118

    Collection Description: A single pottery sherd was removed from a burial in Saginaw County. According to the note accompanying the sherd, it was found with the remains of three ancestors. MSU does not have any of the ancestors, making this item an unassociated funerary object.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These funerary objects were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 25, 2025.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These funerary objects were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on November 12, 2025.

     

    St. Clair County

    Collection ID: F.3.72

    Collection Description: On October 4, 2017, human remains were found in the Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: The only documentation is the skeletal inventory form.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe):The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

      

    Sanilac County

    Collection ID: 20SL2, McLaughlin Site

    Collection Description: During the fall and winter of 1994, human skeletal remains were disturbed by house basement construction. The property owner, the police, and a team from the Office of the State Archaeologist collected the partial remains of a minimum of nine individuals. Only part of one individual was excavated in situ; the rest consisted of fragments scattered around the worksite. The remains were brought to Michigan State University for analysis by Anthropology Professor Dr. Norman Sauer. After the analysis was completed, the property owner directed that the remains be turned over to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for reburial. This was recorded as being done in 2000, but on April 26, 2019, the remains were found in the Michigan State University’s Forensic Anthropology Laboratory. In
    November 2019, the State Archaeologist confirmed that Michigan State University has possession and should proceed with NAGPRA implementation. (MNI = 9, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available:

    • Archaeological site form
    • Memo from landowners
    • Skeletal assessment form
    • Associated site file notes

     Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe):The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Shiawassee County

    Collection ID: Jarrard, 20SE125

    Collection Description: The collection history for this is unknown. (MNI = 3, AFO = 34)

    Documents Available:

    • Accession card
    • Skeletal inventory
    • Subadult skeletal inventory

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): These ancestors were included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe):The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

      

    Tuscola County

    Collection ID: Cass City

    Collection Description: On November 13, 1978, human remains were discovered during housing construction. The property owner discovered the remains while digging and setting a water line near his house. He then contacted the Cass City Police, which brought them to Michigan State University's Forensic Anthropology Laboratory for
    analysis. (MNI = 1, AFO = 0)

     Documents Available:

    • Cass City police notes
    • Skeletal inventory

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): This ancestor was included in the Federal Register publication (link to published notice) for September 15, 2020. 

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe):The ancestors were returned/transferred to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on August 25, 2022.

     

    Unknown Locations in Michigan

    Collection ID: Wildner, 2004.45.255, F.1.0, F.3.71, FA 019-08, FA 058-83, 7471

    Collection Description: These were ancestors that were likely removed from Michigan through Forensic Anthropology Laboratory casework, archaeological salvage work, or some other project in Michigan.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion was published on September 15, 2020.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The ancestor was returned/transferred to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa on November 23, 2020.

  • Southwest United States

    Collection ID: “Navajo” ancestor

    Collection Description: One individual was identified within an older donation to the MSU bioarchaeology laboratory labeled as "Navajo". There were no accompanying funerary objects.

    Documents Available: There is no associated documentation for this individual.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link):  The Federal Register notice for this individual was published on July 30,2020. You may access the notice through this link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/07/30/2020-16496/notice-of-inventory-completion-Michigan-state-university-east-Lansing-mi

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Legal control for this ancestor was transferred on September 23, 2020 to the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): The physical transfer of the ancestor was completed on April 30, 2024.

  • Unknown Provenience

    Collection ID: Chamberlain Museum

    Collection Description: Several individuals were identified within the larger Chamberlain Museum collection, including those associated with catalog numbers 6510CW, 6508CW, 6509CW, 6504CW, 6497CW, 6511CW, 6587CW, 2693.12, 20323, and 6499CW. (MNI = 10, AFO = 0)

    Documents Available: Some documentation exists for these individuals, including catalog cards and skeletal inventories.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion (link to notice) for these ancestors was published on November 8, 2021.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Transfer of Control for these ancestors to Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan was completed on December 9, 2021.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These ancestors were physically returned to the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on August 11, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: 2004.46.21

    Collection Description: A single ancestor located within the Boudeman collection. There was no additional information available.

    Documents Available: We have the original object catalog card available upon request.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion (link to notice) for these ancestors was published on November 8, 2021.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Transfer of Control for these ancestors to Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan was completed on December 9, 2021.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These ancestors were physically returned to the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on August 11, 2022.

     

    Collection ID: Unprovenienced

    Collection Description: Several individuals have no identifying information with them. (MNI = 32, AFO = 11). Many of these were removed from the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory teaching collections that have not been in use.

    Documents Available: None.

    Published to Federal Register (Date and Link): The Notice of Inventory Completion (link to notice) for these ancestors was published on November 8, 2021.

    Transfer of Legal Control (Date and Tribe): Transfer of Control for these ancestors to Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan was completed on December 9, 2021.

    Returned/Transferred (Date & Tribe): These ancestors were physically returned to the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on August 11, 2022.

     

  • West Virginia

    Collection ID: Buffalo Site (46Pu13)

    Collection Description: Ancestors recovered from the Buffalo Site (46Pu13) were identified within faunal remains present in the archaeological collections.

    Documents Available: We have the archaeological reports for this work (the initial site report and the faunal analysis) on file and available upon request.

    Returned/Transferred: This collection was not owned by MSU. We transferred it back to the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex under guidance from the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.

Sites & Collections