Arthur Parker’s Famous Iroquois Dioramas

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In 1906, Arthur C. Parker began nearly two decades of archaeology and ethnography at the State Museum. Parker was a descendant of the Seneca family that assisted Lewis Henry Morgan with his 1848-1850 surveys of Iroquois material culture. Parker conducted field research, published extensively about Iroquois culture, and created the Iroquois Village Life dioramas, which were on display in the State Museum’s previous State Education Building location from 1918 to 1976. The dioramas illuminated themes of Iroquois daily activities, crafts and industry, farming, and ceremonial life. The power of these world-famous dioramas is still recounted by visitors today. Dr. Betty Duggan, State Museum curator of ethnography and ethnology, will discuss the making, meaning, and international impacts of Parker's dioramas. This program celebrates National Native American Heritage Month.