The Mohegan Tribe and Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Celebrate Return of Culturally Significant Mohegan Artifacts

"Restoring Connections: A Celebration of Return" Honored Ancestral Belongings and a Renewed Partnership

The Mohegan Tribe and the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History gathered today for Restoring Connections: A Celebration of Return, a ceremonial homecoming recognizing the return of culturally significant Mohegan artifacts to the Tribe and celebrating the continued partnership between the two institutions.

Held at the historic Mohegan Church, the ceremony marked the return of several ancestral cultural belongings, including historical documents associated with Samson Occom and other culturally significant artifacts that reflect the enduring history, identity, and resilience of the Mohegan people. The event also represented a meaningful step forward in the Tribe's ongoing efforts to preserve, protect, and celebrate its cultural heritage while strengthening its longstanding relationship with the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.

The returned collection included historical documents connected to Samson Occom, the renowned Mohegan minister, educator, and writer whose legacy remains central to both Mohegan and American history, as well as several additional ancestral belongings that reflect generations of Mohegan cultural traditions.

"Every artifact returned today carries a story, a memory, and a connection to the people who came before us," said Chief Many Hearts, Dr. Lynn Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe. "For thousands of years, the Mohegan people have safeguarded our history, culture, and traditions. Bringing these significant cultural artifacts and documents  home, we are welcoming our ancestors home.  This allows us to continue that responsibility and ensures future generations can learn from, honor, and carry forward the legacy of our ancestors."

The ceremony, emceed by Mohegan Tribe Council Vice Chairwoman Sarah Harris, featured remarks from Chief Malerba, Sylvia Kelly, President of the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, and Ilene Frank, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.

"This return reflects the power of partnership, respect, and shared stewardship," said Beth Regan, Chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribe’s Council of Elders. "By bringing these cultural belongings home, we are honoring those who came before us while ensuring future generations can continue to learn from and honor their heritage."

“The return of these Mohegan objects to the Tribe reflects Connecticut Museum’s responsibility to honor cultural sovereignty, strengthen relationships grounded in trust, and ensure that items of deep cultural significance are cared for by the community to whom they belong,” said Robert A. Kret, Former Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.

The Museum’s current Executive Director and CEO Ilene Frank added, “We are honored to work with the Mohegan Tribe to ensure that these belongings are returned with respect, care, and humility. Our museum is grateful for the Tribe’s guidance and partnership, and we hope this step reflects our continued commitment to listening, learning, and doing what is right.”

“The return of these Mohegan objects reflects the Connecticut Museum’s commitment to consultation, transparency, and respectful partnership, and we are grateful for the collaboration of the Mohegan Tribe in guiding this important process,” said Sylvia Kelly, President of Board of Trustees.

Following the ceremony, invited guests previewed the returned artifacts at the Tribe's Cultural Preservation Center. The event underscored a shared commitment between the Mohegan Tribe and the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History to collaborative stewardship, cultural preservation, and strengthening relationships that recognize the importance of returning Indigenous cultural belongings to their communities.