The Museum was established in 1970 by Dr. Hubert I. Reynolds, an American missionary member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and former Anthropology professor in Silliman University, to house the collection of the Cultural Research Center that started in 1964. The exhibits are rare and priceless collections of ethnological and archaeological artifacts which dates back as early as 500-200 B.C.

The museum was formerly housed at the University’s oldest building, Silliman Hall, for more than four decades and was transferred to a much sturdier location at the second floor of Hibbard Hall in 2015.

Hibbard Hall, the current home of the Anthropology Museum was named after Silliman’s first president, Dr. David S. Hibbard and his wife, Laura C. Hibbard, who was also the first faculty. The building began as part of the project Dr. Paul Doltz called the “Greater Silliman Fund,” to raise money to set up an endowment fund and build needed infrastructure in the campus. The first floor was built in 1932 and through the collaborative effort of students, faculty and staff over the next nine years, the second floor (current Anthropology Museum) was completed in 1941.

The collection is composed of archaeological items from previous excavation all over Negros and parts of Mindanao and collected ethnological items from the various indigenous groups from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

PROGRAMS

Community Outreach

  • Cultural Mapping – Invite all towns, municipalities and cities of Negros Oriental to showcase their 1. products with significant archaeological, economic and historical values; 2. foklore. Each LGU will be given three months to exhibit their items.
  • Livelihood – The bantays of the early childhood school children of Silliman University will be organized for rag making. Another income generating activity is to teach them how to perform manicure and pedicure.

Academic Related Activities
Student visits to both private and public elementary and high schools will be conducted, to introduce the value and significance of museums.

Archaeological Research
Archaeological diggings will be conducted within the neighboring communities. This will enable the Sociology and Anthropology majors to gain both exposure and rich field experience. This is in coordination with the National Museum.

VISITORS GUIDE

  1. The Anthropology Museum is a private educational facility of Silliman University.
  2. It was established and is being maintained mainly for academic and scholarly research activities.
  3. Visits require prior arrangements, especially on holidays and weekends.
  4. The museum opens Monday to Friday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-4:30 p.m.
  5. Admission is restricted on the following grounds:
    a. Observance of exam period
    b. Conduct of University and college-based required activities
    c. Ongoing maintenance and/or repairs.
    d. Scheduled visit falls on a weekend or a holiday (Circumstances permitting, the Museum may be opened on weekends and holidays at an additional fee.)
    e. Number of confirmed visitors does not reach ten (10)
  6. Arrangement can be made through the following:
    a. Connie P. Cadeliña 09166805714; 422-6002 local 207; 422-4170
    b. Christine S. Batiles 0906527511; 422-6002 local 207, 368
    c. SOAD Office 09065277323422-6002 local 335
    d. Information Booth 422-6002 local 414

Entrance Fee

Monday – Saturday
  • General Admission – Php100.00
  • Student – Php40.00
Holidays (per request)
  • General Admission – Php200.00
  • Student – Php100.00