Sioux City Public Museum to offer another Peirce Mansion tour
The tour will take place on June 24 and last for approximately two hours, allowing those who attend to check out the Peirce Mansion and the surrounding neighborhood.
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Starting at 5 p.m., the tour will explore the Peirce Mansion, a Victorian-era mansion located on Sioux City's north side. The mansion was built by Sioux City developer John Peirce. Peirce helped the city grade the hilly area and establish a cable car line that once ran the full length of Jackson Street up to 40th Street.
After the house tour, the Jackson Street Walking Tour will begin at 6:30 pm. This leg of the tour will take attendees on a guided tour that explores Jackson Street and the surrounding neighborhood's history. Topics will include notable residents and architecture.
The tours are both free and open to the public to attend. For more information, contact the museum at 712-279-6174 or
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Pearls were more popular than ever, but they were worn with a completely new attitude. The quintessential Art Deco pearl necklace is the 'sautoir'—an incredibly long strand, or rope, of pearls that often hung down past the waist. These necklaces were perfect for the dynamic, dance-focused lifestyle of the flapper. They could be worn long, looped multiple times around the neck, or even knotted at the chest or slung dramatically over the shoulder. The length accentuated the new, linear silhouette of the dresses. Sometimes, these long ropes terminated in an elaborate tassel of smaller pearls or a geometric pendant. Coco Chanel was instrumental in popularizing these long pearl strands, mixing fine and costume pearls with abandon and making them a staple of the modern woman's wardrobe. An authentic Art Deco sautoir is a truly iconic piece that captures the rebellious, exuberant spirit of the 1920s. 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The most popular style was the single or double-strand choker or princess-length necklace, worn with everything from a sweater set to a cocktail dress. Clasps became a feature in their own right, often more ornate and set with small diamonds or other gems. This era cemented the cultured pearl necklace as a 'must-have' classic in every woman's jewelry box. A vintage Mid-Century necklace from a reputable brand like Mikimoto is a fantastic find, representing the pinnacle of cultured pearl quality and timeless, wearable design. So, you're holding a potentially vintage pearl necklace. It feels special, it looks beautiful, but the big question looms: is it the real deal? Becoming a pearl detective is part of the fun of collecting. Authenticating a vintage piece is a multi-step process that involves looking beyond the initial sparkle and examining the tiny details that tell the necklace's true story. It's about using your senses—touch, sight, and even sound—to uncover clues hidden in the pearls, the clasp, and the string. You don't need to be a certified gemologist to perform these initial checks, which can help you distinguish a genuine heirloom from a convincing imitation. Let's put on our detective hats and start the investigation. The pearls are, of course, the main event. Their individual characteristics are your most important clues. Real pearls, whether natural or cultured, are organic gems. They are formed by a living creature, and just like other natural creations, they are rarely perfect. This imperfection is actually a hallmark of their authenticity. Mass-produced fakes, made of glass or plastic, are often too perfect. Their uniformity is a dead giveaway. Your first step is to get up close and personal with each pearl on the strand. Look at them in natural light, feel them, and observe their unique personalities. The secrets they hold are waiting to be discovered. This is the most famous (and oddly effective) trick in the book. Gently take a pearl and run it along the biting edge of your front teeth. Don't bite down! A real pearl will feel slightly gritty or sandy. This is due to the crystalline structure of the nacre, the substance that forms the pearl. A fake pearl, made of glass or plastic, will feel perfectly smooth and slippery against your tooth. Another simple test is the temperature test. Real pearls are organic and will feel cool to the touch for the first few seconds before they warm up against your skin. Plastic fakes will be room temperature right away, and glass fakes might feel cool initially but often have a heavier, more 'solid' feel than real pearls, which have a surprising heft but don't feel as dense as solid glass. Luster is the magic ingredient. It's the deep, inner glow that seems to emanate from within the pearl, not just a surface shine. High-quality pearls have a sharp luster, where you can see your reflection clearly on the surface. Lower-quality or imitation pearls will have a dull, chalky, or overly glassy appearance. Next, look for tiny imperfections. Since pearls are natural gems, they will almost always have small blemishes, pits, or variations in their surface. These are called 'character marks' and are a sign of authenticity. A strand where every single pearl is flawlessly identical in shape, size, and surface is highly suspect and likely man-made. Finally, look at the drill holes. On a real pearl, the drill hole will likely have a sharp, clean edge. On fakes, the coating around the drill hole may be chipped, flaked, or look like it's peeling away, revealing the glass or plastic bead underneath. While the pearls are the stars, the supporting cast—the clasp, the end tips, and any metal spacers—can often tell you more about the necklace's age and quality than the pearls themselves. The clasp is like the necklace's birth certificate. It can reveal the era it was made, the quality of the materials, and sometimes even the identity of the maker. Jewelers of the past took great pride in their work, and the finishing touches were never an afterthought. A high-quality strand of pearls would have been fitted with an equally high-quality clasp. Ignoring the clasp is like reading a book but skipping the author's name and publication date. Turn the clasp over and look for tiny stamped marks. These are called hallmarks. You might see '14K,' '18K,' or '750' (for 14-karat and 18-karat gold, respectively), 'PLAT' (for platinum), or 'Sterling' or '925' (for sterling silver). The presence of these marks indicates the use of precious metals, a strong sign that the pearls themselves are likely genuine. You might also find a maker's mark or logo, which you can then research to identify the jeweler. The style of the clasp is another huge clue. An intricate, rectangular filigree clasp often points to the Art Deco period. A simple but elegant fishhook clasp was common in the mid-20th century. A spring ring clasp is common, but often found on lower-end or more modern pieces. The craftsmanship of the clasp should match the quality of the pearls. How a necklace is held together is a crucial aspect of its construction and a key indicator of its quality and age. You might not think much about the string, but for pearl experts, it's a vital clue. The traditional and most desirable method for stringing a fine pearl necklace is to knot it professionally. This isn't just for show; it serves two very important practical purposes. Understanding why this detail matters can help you assess the care and quality that went into creating the piece and gives you another layer of evidence in your authentication process. It's a subtle detail that speaks volumes about the necklace's pedigree. First, the knots protect the pearls. By placing a small, tight knot between each pearl, the stringer ensures that the pearls cannot rub against each other. This prevents the delicate nacre from getting worn down or chipped over time. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the knots provide security. If the necklace were to break, you would only lose one pearl, not have the entire strand scatter across the floor. On a vintage piece, you'll typically find that silk thread was the material of choice for stringing. Over time, this silk can stretch and may appear slightly discolored. This is a normal sign of age. If you see a necklace strung on what looks like modern nylon or fishing line, it has likely been restrung recently. While restringing is a normal part of maintenance (and is highly recommended for older pieces you intend to wear), the presence of old, knotted silk thread is a good sign of originality. The world of pearls is beautifully diverse. When you're looking at vintage pieces, you're encountering a historical snapshot of the pearl industry. The types of pearls available, and their prevalence, have changed over time. Early antique pieces might feature the incredibly rare and valuable natural pearl, while mid-century necklaces almost exclusively showcase the cultured pearl, a testament to a revolutionary innovation. Understanding the different types of pearls and how they relate to different eras is key to appreciating the context and value of your vintage necklace. It helps you understand what you have, why it's special, and where it fits in the grand timeline of this beloved gem. This is the most fundamental distinction in the pearl world, and it has a huge impact on rarity and value. For centuries, the only pearls available were natural pearls. These are formed entirely by chance when an irritant, like a grain of sand or a tiny parasite, naturally lodges itself inside a mollusk (an oyster or mussel). The mollusk, as a defense mechanism, begins to secrete layers of nacre around the intruder. It can take many years to form a pearl of any significant size, and finding one that is perfectly round and lustrous is incredibly rare. This is why, for most of history, pearls were reserved for royalty and the extremely wealthy. The game changed completely in the early 20th century when the cultured pearl was invented in Japan. This process involves a human technician carefully inserting a mother-of-pearl bead nucleus and a piece of mantle tissue into the mollusk. This kick-starts the nacre-secreting process. While the oyster still does all the work of creating the pearl, the process is initiated by humans, allowing for the 'farming' of pearls on a large scale. Because the process for creating cultured pearls wasn't commercialized until the 1920s, any pearl necklace that can be definitively dated to before this time (i.e., from the Victorian or Edwardian eras) is highly likely to contain natural pearls. This makes them exceptionally rare and valuable. Distinguishing between a natural and a cultured pearl with the open eye is nearly impossible for a layperson and often requires X-ray examination by a gemological lab. The X-ray can reveal the internal structure—a natural pearl will show concentric growth rings, like an onion, while a cultured pearl will show a solid bead nucleus at its center. If you suspect you have a pre-1920s antique necklace, getting it appraised by a certified gemologist is essential. For most vintage necklaces from the Art Deco period onward, you can assume you are looking at cultured pearls, which are still beautiful and valuable in their own right. For more in-depth information on pearl formation, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers extensive resources. Even within the world of cultured pearls, there's a beautiful variety, each with its own origin story and unique characteristics. The type of pearl can sometimes offer clues about the necklace's era and original value. While many different mollusks produce pearls, a few key types dominate the vintage market, each making their debut on the world stage at different times. Knowing these names helps you speak the language of pearls and understand the subtle differences that make each strand unique. From the classic white round to the exotic black, each type has its own allure. Akoya pearls are the classic, original cultured pearl from Japan. These are the pearls that made Mikimoto famous. They are known for being perfectly round and having a sharp, mirror-like luster. Their colors are typically white or cream, often with overtones of rose or silver. When you picture the classic 1950s single-strand necklace, you are almost certainly picturing Akoya pearls. They have been the standard for classic pearl jewelry since the 1920s. South Sea pearls, which come from the waters around Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, are the largest and often most valuable type of cultured pearl. They can be white, silvery, or have a beautiful golden hue. Because the technology to culture them was perfected later, they became more prominent in jewelry from the latter half of the 20th century. A vintage necklace with large, golden South Sea pearls would be a very luxurious and high-end piece. Tahitian pearls, often called 'black pearls,' are from French Polynesia. They are famous for their naturally dark colors, which range from metallic silver and charcoal grey to peacock green and deep aubergine. They came to prominence in the 1970s and 80s, so a vintage strand of Tahitian pearls would likely date to this bold and glamorous era. Wearing a vintage pearl necklace isn't about creating a historical costume; it's about incorporating a piece of timeless elegance into your modern wardrobe. The beauty of pearls is their incredible versatility. They can be preppy, edgy, classic, or bohemian, all depending on how you style them. Forget the old rules that confined pearls to twinsets and formal events. Today, it's all about juxtaposition—mixing the old with the new, the refined with the relaxed. A vintage pearl necklace is your secret weapon for adding a touch of unexpected polish and personality to any outfit. It's a statement that you appreciate history, quality, and enduring style. One of the best things about a vintage pearl necklace is its ability to transition seamlessly between different settings. It possesses a unique power to elevate a simple outfit or add a touch of classic grace to a power suit. The key is to think of the pearls not as a 'special occasion' item but as a foundational piece of your accessory wardrobe, just like a great watch or a simple pair of gold hoops. It's about making the pearls work for your life, not saving them for a life you don't live. With a little creativity, that heirloom strand can become one of your most-worn and most-loved pieces of jewelry. For a professional, office-ready look, a classic single-strand princess-length (16-18 inches) necklace is impeccable. It sits perfectly at the collarbone and adds a polished finish to a crisp button-down shirt, a tailored blazer, or a simple sheath dress. It projects confidence and sophistication without being overly flashy. But what about the weekend? This is where you can have some fun. Throw that same strand of pearls on with a simple cashmere sweater and your favorite pair of jeans for an effortlessly chic brunch look. The contrast between the relaxed denim and the elegant pearls is modern and stylish. Don't be afraid to pair them with unexpected textures. A pearl choker looks incredibly cool peeking out from under the collar of a denim jacket or even worn over a simple black t-shirt with a leather jacket. It's this high-low mix that makes the look feel fresh and personal. Layering necklaces has been a major trend for years, and it's the perfect way to modernize your vintage pearls. The art of the 'neck mess' or 'necklace stack' is all about creating a curated collection of chains and pendants that tells a personal story. Adding your vintage pearls to this mix is a brilliant move. It adds texture, a touch of history, and a luminous focal point to your stack. It breaks up the monotony of all-metal chains and adds a soft, organic element that is both eye-catching and deeply stylish. This is your chance to get creative and express your unique personality through your jewelry. The secret to a great necklace stack is variation. Start with your vintage pearl necklace as the base. If it's a choker length, it will be your top layer. If it's a longer princess or matinee length, it can be your middle or bottom layer. Now, add other chains. Don't be afraid to mix your metals! The old rule about not mixing gold and silver is long gone. A strand of creamy pearls looks stunning alongside both warm yellow gold and cool sterling silver. Add a delicate gold chain with a small pendant and a slightly chunkier silver chain. Vary the lengths so that each necklace has its own space to shine. You can even mix eras. Pair your 1950s pearls with a modern geometric pendant and a delicate Victorian-era chain. This eclectic mix looks curated and intentional, showcasing your confidence and flair for style. Owning a vintage pearl necklace is a privilege, and with that privilege comes the responsibility of proper care. Pearls are organic gems, which means they are softer and more delicate than diamonds or sapphires. They are vulnerable to chemicals, heat, and abrasion. But don't let that intimidate you! With a few simple habits and a little bit of knowledge, you can ensure that your heirloom pearls remain beautiful and lustrous for generations to come. Proper care is the best way to honor the history of your necklace and preserve its value and beauty. Think of it as a simple ritual of respect for a timeless treasure. This is the single most important rule in pearl care. It's a simple mantra that should become second nature for any pearl owner: your pearls should be the last thing you put on after getting dressed and the first thing you take off at the end of the day. There's a very practical reason for this. Pearls are highly susceptible to damage from the chemicals found in everyday products. Adhering to this rule is the easiest and most effective way to protect your necklace from harm and maintain its gorgeous, natural glow. Think about your morning routine: lotion, makeup, hairspray, perfume. All of these products contain chemicals and acids that can eat away at a pearl's nacre, causing it to become dull, discolored, and permanently damaged. Hairspray is particularly notorious for creating a sticky film that is difficult to remove and robs the pearls of their luster. Perfume, with its high alcohol content, is also a major enemy. When you spritz perfume on your neck or wrists while wearing pearls, the alcohol can dry out the nacre and cause it to become brittle and prone to cracking. By putting your pearls on after all your cosmetics and sprays have been applied and have had a moment to dry, you create a barrier and minimize their exposure to these harmful substances. Taking them off first thing prevents them from getting snagged on clothing and avoids prolonged contact with your skin's natural oils and perspiration, which are also slightly acidic. Beyond the daily 'last on, first off' rule, a regular maintenance routine will keep your pearls in pristine condition. This involves gentle cleaning after each wear, proper storage to prevent scratches, and periodic restringing to ensure their security. These simple steps don't take much time but they make a world of difference in the long-term health and beauty of your vintage necklace. It's a small investment of effort that pays huge dividends in preserving your precious piece of history. Cleaning: After you take off your necklace, gently wipe the pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth, like a microfiber or chamois cloth. This removes any traces of skin oils or cosmetics. If they need a more thorough cleaning, you can dampen the cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild, non-detergent soap (like a pure Castile soap). Wipe each pearl, then immediately go over them again with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue. Finally, lay the necklace flat on a soft towel to dry completely before storing. Never, ever submerge a pearl necklace in water, as it can weaken the silk thread, and never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemical jewelry cleaners. Storing: Pearls need to breathe, so don't store them in an airtight plastic bag. The best way to store your necklace is in a soft pouch made of silk, velvet, or chamois. This protects them from being scratched by other, harder gemstones in your jewelry box. Store the necklace flat to prevent the silk cord from stretching out over time. Restringing: The silk thread used to knot pearls will naturally stretch and weaken over time. You should have your vintage pearl necklace professionally restrung every few years, or sooner if you wear it frequently. A sure sign it's time for a restring is if you can see excess space between the knots and the pearls. A professional jeweler will use fresh silk thread and ensure the knots are tight and secure, protecting your investment for years to come. For more historical context on pearl jewelry, the Wikipedia article on the Art Deco movement provides great insight into the era that revolutionized how pearls were worn. The hunt for the perfect vintage pearl necklace is a thrilling adventure. It's a search that can take you from the dusty corners of a local antique shop to the curated digital aisles of online specialists. Each venue offers a different experience and a unique selection. The key to a successful hunt is knowing where to look, what questions to ask, and how to spot a treasure. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the journey to finding 'the one' is part of the story that you will eventually pass down with the necklace itself. Your options for finding a vintage pearl necklace are vast and varied. Antique Shops are a classic starting point. You have the advantage of seeing and feeling the piece in person, and shop owners are often passionate experts who can share the known history of the necklace. Estate Sales can be a treasure trove, offering pieces directly from a person's private collection. This can often mean better prices, but you'll need a good eye as items are typically sold 'as-is.' Online Marketplaces like Etsy, Ruby Lane, or 1stDibs offer a massive selection from dealers all over the world. This is fantastic for finding specific styles, but you must be a diligent buyer. When buying, especially online, your mantra should be 'due diligence.' Always buy from reputable sellers with a long history of positive reviews. Don't be shy about asking questions. Request additional photos of the clasp, the surface of the pearls, and any hallmarks. Ask about the seller's return policy. A confident seller with a quality product will have no problem with these requests. Read the description carefully. Does it specify the type of pearl (Akoya, South Sea), the metal of the clasp (14K Gold, Platinum), and the length? Vague descriptions are a red flag. Compare prices for similar items to get a feel for the market value. Most importantly, trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A little bit of research and caution can protect you from disappointment and ensure you end up with a piece you will cherish. While the thrill of the hunt is undeniable, we understand that you also value trust, quality, and expert curation. The search for an authentic, beautiful vintage pearl necklace can be overwhelming. That is why we have dedicated ourselves to sourcing and presenting a collection of the finest heirloom pearl jewelry. Each piece in our collection is meticulously inspected for authenticity, quality, and character. We do the detective work so you can focus on the pure joy of discovering the necklace that speaks to you. We believe that these pieces of history deserve a new chapter, and we invite you to be a part of their continuing story. Are you ready to find your own piece of timeless elegance? We invite you to explore our carefully selected collection of exquisite vintage and antique pearl necklaces. Each one is waiting to tell its story. Visit our shop today to discover your perfect heirloom: A vintage pearl necklace is so much more than an accessory. It is a tangible link to the past, a masterpiece of natural beauty and human craftsmanship, and a symbol of enduring elegance. From understanding the historical significance of different eras and identifying the subtle clues of authenticity to learning how to style and care for your treasure, the journey of owning a vintage pearl necklace is rich and rewarding. It's an investment not just in a beautiful piece of jewelry, but in a story—one that you now have the honor of continuing. Whether worn to elevate a simple daily outfit or to add the finishing touch to a momentous occasion, a vintage pearl necklace is a choice that is always classic, always sophisticated, and always in style. 1. How can I tell if my vintage pearls are real at home? The quickest and most reliable at-home method is the 'tooth test.' Gently rub a pearl against the edge of your front tooth. A real pearl (natural or cultured) will feel slightly gritty or sandy due to its nacreous layers. A fake pearl made of glass or plastic will feel perfectly smooth. 2. What's the difference between vintage and antique pearls? The primary difference is age. A 'vintage' piece is typically between 20 and 99 years old. An 'antique' piece has crossed the century mark and is 100 years old or more. Antique pearl necklaces are much rarer and often feature natural pearls if dated before the 1920s. 3. How often should I restring my vintage pearl necklace? This depends on how often you wear it. For a necklace worn frequently, restringing every one to two years is recommended. For a piece worn only on special occasions, every three to five years is a good rule of thumb. If you see visible space between the knots and the pearls, the silk has stretched, and it's time for a restring regardless of age. 4. Is it okay to wear a vintage pearl necklace every day? While you can, it's important to be mindful. Pearls are soft and susceptible to damage from chemicals and abrasion. If you do wear it daily, be extra diligent about the 'last on, first off' rule and wipe it down with a soft cloth after each wear. For a daily-wear piece, consider a more durable single-strand design over a fragile multi-strand or antique piece. 5. What era of vintage pearls is the most valuable? Generally, antique necklaces from the Edwardian or Victorian eras (pre-1920s) are the most valuable because they are more likely to contain rare natural pearls. In the vintage category, high-quality Art Deco sautoirs and signed pieces from renowned jewelers like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Mikimoto from any era command the highest prices. 6. How do I clean my vintage pearls safely at home? Never use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. The safest way is to simply wipe them with a soft, dry, or slightly damp lint-free cloth after wearing them. For a deeper clean, use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a drop of very mild, non-detergent soap. Wipe them again with a cloth dampened with plain water, then lay them flat on a towel to dry completely before storing. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
‘Chamber of horrors' being exhumed at Ireland mass baby grave at former home run by nuns
Only one stone wall remains of the old mother and baby home in this town, but it has cast a shadow over all of Ireland. A mass grave that could hold up to nearly 800 infants and young children — some of it in a defunct septic tank — is being excavated on the grounds of the former home run by the Bon Secours Sisters, an order of nuns. The burial site has forced Ireland and the Catholic Church — long central to its identity — to reckon with a legacy of having shunned unmarried mothers and separated them from their children left at the mercy of a cruel system. 5 Work begins on the excavation of the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home site on June 16, 2025, in Tuam, Ireland. Getty Images The grave was accidentally discovered by two boys a half century ago. But the true horror of the place was not known until a local historian began digging into the home's history. Catherine Corless revealed that the site was atop a septic tank and that 796 deceased infants were unaccounted for. Her findings caused a scandal when the international news media wrote about her work in 2014. When test excavations later confirmed an untold number of tiny skeletons were in the sewage pit, then-Prime Minister Enda Kenny called it a 'chamber of horrors.' Pope Francis later apologized for the church's 'crimes' that included forced separations of unwed mothers and children. The nuns apologized for not living up to their Christianity. A cold, cramped and deadly place The homes were not unique to Ireland and followed a Victorian-era practice of institutionalizing the poor, troubled and neglected children, and unmarried mothers. The Tuam home was cold, crowded and deadly. Mothers worked there for up to a year before being cast out — almost always without their children. 5 The entrance to the site of a mass grave of hundreds of children who died in the former Bons Secours home for unmarried mothers is seen in Tuam, County Galway on June 4, 2014. REUTERS Corless' report led to a government investigation that found 9,000 children, or 15%, died in mother and baby homes in the 20th century. The Tuam home — open from 1925 to 1961 — had the highest death rate. Corless said she was driven to expose the story 'the more I realized how those poor, unfortunate, vulnerable kids, through no fault of their own, had to go through this life.' Discovering deeply held secrets Corless' work brought together survivors of the homes and children who discovered their own mothers had given birth to long-lost relatives who died there. Annette McKay said there's still a level of denial about the abuse, rape and incest that led some women to the homes while fathers were not held accountable. 'They say things like the women were incarcerated and enslaved for being pregnant,' McKay said. 'Well, how did they get pregnant? Was it like an immaculate conception?' Her mother ended up in the home after being raped as a teenager by the caretaker of the industrial school where she had been sentenced for 'delinquency' after her mother died and father, a British soldier, abdicated responsibility. Her mother, Margaret 'Maggie' O'Connor, only revealed her secret when she was in her 70s, sobbing hysterically when the story finally came out. Six months after giving birth in Tuam in 1942, O'Connor was hanging laundry at another home where she had been transferred when a nun told her, 'the child of your sin is dead.' She never spoke of it again. 5 Catherine Corless, who revealed that remains of nearly 800 dead infants from a mother and baby home in Tuam, Ireland, were unaccounted for and likely buried in a mass grave, reviews her records at her home outside Tuam on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. AP Some 20 years later, a Sunday newspaper headline about a 'shock discovery' in Tuam caught McKay's attention. Among the names was her long-lost sister, Mary Margaret O'Connor, who died in 1943. Shame's long shadow Barbara Buckley was born in the Tuam home in 1957 and was 19 months old when she was adopted by a family in Cork. She was an adult when a cousin told her she'd been adopted and was later able to find her birth mother through an agency. Her mother came to visit from London for two days in 2000 and happened to be there on her 43rd birthday, though she didn't realize it. 'I found it very hard to understand, how did she not know it was my birthday?' Buckley said. 'Delving deep into the thoughts of the mothers, you know, they put it so far back. They weren't dealing with it anymore.' 5 Corless points on a map at her home outside Tuam on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. AP She said her mother had worked in the laundry and was sent away after a year, despite asking to stay longer. Her lasting memory of the place was only being able to see the sky above the high walls. At the end of their visit, her mother told her it had been lovely to meet her and her family, but said she'd never see her again. Buckley was devastated at the rejection and asked why. 'She said, 'I don't want anyone finding out about this,'' Buckley said. 'Going back to 1957 — and it was still a dark secret.' 5 Corless' report led to a government investigation that found 9,000 children, or 15%, died in mother and baby homes in the 20th century. The Tuam home — open from 1925 to 1961 — had the highest death rate. AP Luck of the Irish Pete Cochran considers himself one of the lucky ones. He was 16 months old when he got out of the home and was adopted by a family in the U.S., where he avoided the stigma that would have dogged him as a so-called illegitimate child in his homeland. During his visit to Tuam before the dig began, a man from town told him at a bar: 'I respect you now, but growing up, I used to spit on you because that's what I was taught.' Cochran hopes the dig turns up few remains. 'I hope they don't find 796 bodies,' he said. 'That all these children were adopted and had a good life like I did.' McKay has had the same hope for her sister. But even if they found a thimble full of her remains, she'd like to reunite her with her mom, who died in 2016. 'The headstone hasn't got my mother's name on it because I fought everybody to say I refuse to put my mom's name on until she can have her child with her,' McKay said.
