Research

Arthur W. Parsons Papers

COLLECTION OVERVIEW

Collection Number: GR ASCSA AWP 036
Name(s) of Creator(s): Arthur W. Parsons (1900-1948)
Title: Arthur W. Parsons Papers
Date [bulk]: 1933-1941
Date [inclusive]:
Language(s): English, Greek
Summary: The collection consists of Parson’s working notes on several topics, cards with notes, and bibliography on various archaeological sites in Greece, as well as correspondence (1940-1941).
Quantity: 0.65 linear meters
Immediate Source of Acquisition:
Information about Access: The collection is available for research.
Cite as: American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Archives, Arthur Parsons Papers (Αμερικανική Σχολή Κλασικών Σπουδών στην Αθήνα, Αρχείο Arthur Parsons)
Note: The collection was catalogued by Eleftheria Daleziou, 2020

For more information, please contact the Archives
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens
54 Souidias Street, Athens 106 76, Greece
phone: 213 000 2400 (ext. 425)
Contact via E-mail

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Arthur W. Parsons (1900-1948) received his BA from Yale University and his PhD from Johns Hopkins in 1942.  He first came to Greece in 1931 as a member of the Johns Hopkins University Expedition to Olynthus. The following year he explored the walls of Corinth and joined the excavations of the Ancient Agora of Athens where he served for eight consecutive years as staff member. Parsons was appointed Assistant Director of the American School in 1939 and Director in July 1941. In the fall of the same year he was forced to leave Greece because of WW II. During the War he assisted in the work of the Greek Relief Association before joing the State Department, serving successively in Cairo and Athens. No longer interested in continuing as Director of the ASCSA he resigned in 1945.  He died after a short illness in 1948. 

Source: ASCSA Annual Report 68 (1948-1949), pp. 14-15.

CONTENTS

Box 1

Folder 1

  • Notes on Orchomenos, Thebes, Hagios Loukas, Delphi Museum etc.
  • Notes on Burials

Folder 2

  • Bibliographical notes
  • Various notes with the indication in Greek “Τελειωμένα”

Folder 3

  • Negatives for Strongylion Base (Trojan Horse)
  • Various notes

Folder 4

  • Bibliographical notes
  • Notes on Athens topography

Folder 5

  • Various notes and sketches (e.g., Treasuries, Temple of Zeus etc)
  • Photo (unknown site)
  • Portrait Photo (A.W. Parsons)
  • A Leica camera brochure (1933)
  • A Kodak negative sleeve (empty)

Folder 6

  • Various notes and sketches

Folder 7

  • Various notes and sketches

Folder 8

  • Will of Alfonso L. Walker

Folder 9

  • Correspondence 1941 (during his directorship)
  • Calendar 1940 with notes

Box 2

Box with card notes (bibliographical)