130. Bones of Contention: Skeletons in the Museum Closet

Mission Spooky

Happy Indigenous People's Day!

In this episode, we expose the unsettling truth about stolen Indigenous peoples' remains in some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Illinois State Museum.

We dive into the ethical and legal battles surrounding the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a law designed to return these sacred remains to their rightful communities.

Kiki touches on the erroneous pseudo-science of phrenology and how it led to a glut of both legal and questionably obtained skulls in museums across the country.

Wrapping up, we touch on the curious case of Stone Man Willie, a case of experimental embalming that led an unfortunate soul to be a funeral home attraction for over 120 years.

Join us for a sobering discussion on the past’s lingering injustices and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.

Check a museum or university near you with the ProPublica Repatriation Database!

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