{"id":4675,"date":"2026-04-25T12:48:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T16:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepember.org\/?page_id=4675"},"modified":"2026-05-22T16:18:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T20:18:50","slug":"curators-corner","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thepember.org\/index.php\/curators-corner\/","title":{"rendered":"Curator’s Corner"},"content":{"rendered":"

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…designed to spark curiosity and engagement.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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We will bring together a mix of collection highlights on objects, artifacts, or images paired with prompts that encourage visitors to observe closely, guess their purpose or origin, and investigate further. Photos may be used as visual clues, inviting users to identify details or solve small “mysteries” about the items.<\/p>\n

Alongside these interactive elements, the page will include short, engaging tidbits, unusual facts, historical context, or behind-the-scenes insights from the curator that make the content feel lively rather than academic. Search features or guided questions help users dig deeper into the collection, turning passive viewing into active discovery.<\/p>\n

Overall, our goal is to create a playful, educational experience that blends storytelling, inquiry and exploration, making our museum content more accessible and memorable for a broad audience.<\/p>\n

#4 – May 22, 2026 – Baro’t Saya with Alampay from the Philippines<\/p>\n

We all know that non-synthetic clothing is made entirely from natural or semi-synthetic fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and Tencel instead of petroleum-based plastics like polyester or nylon. However, did you know that clothing can be made from banana (abaca) and pineapple plant fibers?<\/p>\n

We have in our artifact\u2019s storage four 3-piece dresses from the Philippines. They were donated to the Pember Museum by Owen F. Quinn. Mr. Quinn (1859-1927) is listed as a well driller in the 1913 Roster of Civil Service by the Bureau of Public Works in the Philippines from 1912-1915. Quinn also travelled to other countries from 1916 to 1920 for drilling employed by Keystone Driller Co. He died in 1927 in Alabama and was buried in Glens Falls, NY. He was single and there’s no information about when the Pember received these dresses.
\nIncluded with the items was a work envelope and what appears to be Franklin\u2019s handwriting on a note inside. (see photo)<\/p>\n

See photos of two of the outfits, and links to historical information on Philippine attire.<\/p>\n

Baro’t Saya with Alampay
\nBaro = blouse
\nSaya = skirt
\nAlampay = square kerchief
\nBarot-saya\/Philippine Folklife Museum<\/a><\/p>\n

Baro’t Saya\/Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n

Clothing made from Banana fiber<\/a><\/p>\n

Clothing from Pineapple fiber<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t