4312-52
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0033210; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]
Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items: Nebraska State Historical Society DBA
History Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: History Nebraska, in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native
Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed in this notice meet the
definition of sacred objects. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native
Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should
submit a written request to History Nebraska. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer
of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian
organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
DATES: Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian
organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a
written request with information in support of the claim to History Nebraska at the address in this
notice by [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL
REGISTER].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trisha Nelson, History Nebraska, 1500 R
Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-1651, telephone (402) 471-4760, email trisha.nelson@nebraska.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is here given in accordance with the Native
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to
repatriate cultural items under the control of History Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, that meet the
definition of sacred objects under 25 U.S.C. 3001.
This notice is published as part of the National Park Service’s administrative
responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d) (3). The determinations in this notice are the

sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native
American cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in
this notice.
History and description of the cultural items
In 1939, a large collection of items known as the Zimmerman collection was donated to
History Nebraska. Among the items are the three sacred objects listed in this notice. Initially, this
collection was loaned by Mary R. Zimmerman to History Nebraska in 1934; it became a donation
upon her death in 1939. From 1898 to 1928, Dr. Charles F. Zimmerman and his wife Mary
“Mollie” Zimmerman operated a drug store in Naper, Nebraska. Mr. Zimmerman was also
employed by the United States Government Indian Medical Service. Museum records indicate
that Charles amassed a collection of Native American objects through purchases and gifts. The
three sacred objects listed in this notice are one eagle feather hand fan (object id 4364-278), one
two-piece pipestone pipe [object id 4364-273-(1-2)], and one pair of beaded leggings [object id
4364-276-(1-2)].
According to the Museum’s donation records, the three items came from High Eagle, and
is presumed to be Joseph High Eagle, the Oglala Sioux warrior, medicine man, and cousin of
Crazy Horse. On October 14, 2021, Lilla Pearl Asmund requested the repatriation of the three
items. She presented information to show that the items are sacred objects and that they had been
owned by her great-grandfather, Joseph High Eagle. During consultation between History
Nebraska and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Tribe corroborated the information provided to the
Museum by Lilla Pearl Asmund.
Determinations made by History Nebraska
Officials of History Nebraska have determined that:


Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the three cultural items described above are specific
ceremonial objects needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the
practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents; and



Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3005(a)(5)(A) and 43 CFR 10.2(b)(1), Lilla Pearl Asmund is the
direct lineal descendant of the individual who owned the sacred objects.

Additional Requestors and Disposition
Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian
organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a
written request with information in support of the claim to Trisha Nelson, History Nebraska, 1500
R Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-1651, telephone (402) 471-4760, email
trisha.nelson@nebraska.gov, by [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION
IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. After that date, if no additional claimants have come forward,
transfer of control of the sacred objects to Lilla Pearl Asmund may proceed.

History Nebraska is responsible for notifying Lilla Pearl Asmund and the Oglala Sioux
Tribe [previously listed as Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota] that
this notice has been published.

Dated: January 3, 2022.

Melanie O’Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2022-00225 Filed: 1/7/2022 8:45 am; Publication Date: 1/10/2022]