13 August 2014 – National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns and Associate Director Dr. Ana Labrador visited local museums in Chicago, particularly the Field Museum of Chicago and the Newberry Library, on July 15 and 16.

The Newberry Library and the Field Museum of Chicago house a significant number of Philippine manuscripts and artifacts. On these visits, the National Museum officials were accompanied by Philippine Consul General in Chicago Generoso D.G. Calonge and University of the Philippines President Alfredo Pascual.

A reception for the officials was hosted at the Consulate General on July 17, with officials from the Field Museum and members of the Filipino American Community of Chicago in attendance.

Mr. Barns briefed the Filipino-American community about activities that the National Museum has been undertaking, citing in particular the soon-to-be opened Natural Science Museum late next year.

Officials from the Field Museum also briefed the audience on the extensive collection of Philippine artifacts that the museum has in its possession.  Mr. Barns offered the expertise of the National Museum of the Philippines to the Field Museum in providing experts who can assist in identifying the artifacts should the Field Museum request it.

Mr. Barns then invited the Filipino-American community to visit the National Museum when they visit Manila. END