Arthur Caswell Parker (1881–1955) was a pioneering Native American archaeologist, historian, folklorist, and museologist. Born of Seneca, Scottish, and English ancestry, Parker dedicated his life to the documentation and preservation of Indigenous cultures. Over his career, he established himself as a preeminent authority on Native American history and culture, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and academic scholarship.\n\nHis professional legacy is closely tied to his extensive work in museum administration and public education. From 1924 to 1945, Parker served as the director of the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences. In this role, he actively developed the museum's holdings and expanded its research initiatives into numerous disciplines, particularly focusing on the archaeology and history of the Genesee Region.\n\nIn addition to his museum work, Parker was a key figure in organizing the professional archaeological community in the United States. In 1935, he was elected as the very first president of the Society for American Archaeology, a testament to his standing in the field. He also contributed to regional historical preservation as an honorary trustee of the New York State Historical Association, leaving a lasting impact on how Native American heritage is curated and understood.
