Cultural Property
Standards Regarding the Unlawful Appropriation of Objects During the Nazi Era
American Alliance of Museums
The Alliance provides separate standards and best practice statements regarding a museum’s obligations to public trust.
Standards Regarding Archaeological Material and Ancient Art
American Alliance of Museums
The Alliance provides standards to guide the operations of museums that own or acquire archaeological material and ancient art originating outside the U.S.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
American Alliance of Museums
Enacted in 1990, NAGPRA provides a process for museums and federal agencies to return certain Native American cultural items to lineal descendants, culturally affiliated Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Museums have invested significant resources to work in close collaboration with federally-recognized tribes in this area.
20 Years and Counting
American Alliance of Museums
Museum magazine explores looks at the 20th anniversary of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the administrative and financial issues surrounding repatriation. The article includes a summary of the legislative act and an exploration of federal agency compliance.
Report on the Stewardship and Acquisition of Sacred Objects
Association of Art Museum Directors
Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) has issued a report on the stewardship and acquisition of sacred objects (PDFs).
Art Theft
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assists law enforcement agencies in resolving art theft crimes, including theft of individual works of art, illegal export of objects protected by international laws, and pillaging of archeological sites. The site lists statutes for which the FBI has responsibility.
ICOM International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods
International Council of Museums
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) supports a comprehensive program to fight the illicit traffic of cultural property. The Observatory is a long-term international cooperative platform network between law enforcement agencies, research institutions and other external expert stakeholders; an information databank for the network and the public, and an innovative tool that will contribute to preventing and fighting the illegal trade in cultural property and related crimes at both national and international levels.
National NAGPRA
National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) assists in the implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The National NAGPRA program develops regulations and guidance for implementing NAGPRA; provides administrative and staff support for the Review Committee; assists Indian tribes, Native Alaskan villages and corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, museums, and Federal agencies with the NAGPRA process; maintains the Native American Consultation Database; provides training; manages a grants program; and makes program documents and publications available.
Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO provides a database of the national laws of its Member States. In the event of a legal question about the origin of an object, it is useful to have rapid access to the relevant national laws.