Overview
The Washington Post investigation reveals the Smithsonian Institution's history of amassing a large collection of human brains—primarily from Black, Indigenous, and people of color—without consent, as part of debunked race science and eugenics research. Despite recent apologies and some repatriation efforts, the vast majority of these remains, including those of individuals like Mary Sara, remain unreturned and largely unknown to descendants.
Origins and Purpose of the Brain Collection
- The Smithsonian collected at least 268 brains, most gathered in the early 20th century under anthropologist Ales Hrdlicka.
- Hrdlicka and associates targeted the brains of people of color to support racist theories of White superiority.
- The majority of remains were acquired without consent from the deceased or their families.
Key Cases and Impact on Families
- The brain of Mary Sara, an Indigenous Sami woman, was taken in 1933 after her death and sent to the Smithsonian without family knowledge.
- Relatives of individuals like Mary Sara and George Grant only learned of these removals decades later, experiencing distress and seeking repatriation.
- Requests to cover burial and reburial costs have generally been denied by the Smithsonian.
Acquisition and Handling of Remains
- Remains were sourced from graveyards, hospitals, morgues, and through international collaboration, often exploiting marginalized groups.
- Of the 255 brains still held, only four arrived with documented consent.
- Brains from international sources, including the Philippines and Germany, were also collected.
Institutional Response and Current Policies
- The Smithsonian has repatriated or offered to return over 6,900 sets of remains, but only four brains from the collection have been returned.
- A federal law requires notification only for Native American descendants, leaving thousands of others in limbo.
- A new task force was established, and temporary restrictions on handling remains have been implemented.
Public Awareness and Ethical Review
- Many officials and the public were unaware of the collection's scope until recent reporting.
- Activists and anthropologists are pushing for greater transparency and proactive descendant outreach.
- The museum has begun limited international repatriations and is reviewing broader ethical guidelines.
Challenges and Limitations
- Staffing and budget constraints slow repatriation processes and hinder proactive descendant identification.
- Policies deny funding for the costs associated with burial or reburial.
- Many remains lack clear documentation, complicating identification and return.
Decisions
- Approved return of Mary Sara’s brain to her family for burial.
- Smithsonian committed to creating guidelines and a task force for handling human remains.
- Temporary restrictions placed on new collecting or research involving human remains.
Action Items
- TBD – Smithsonian: Expand proactive outreach to potential descendants and communities.
- TBD – Smithsonian: Develop and implement updated ethical guidelines and transparency measures.
- TBD – Mary Sara’s family: Secure funding for burial and headstone for Mary Sara.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- What further steps will be taken to notify families or cultural groups about unidentified remains?
- Will funding for burial or memorialization be reconsidered for repatriated remains?
- How can laws be updated to support broader and more equitable repatriation?