Bowditch, Charles P. (Charles Pickering), 1842-1921

Charles Pickering Bowditch (born September 30, 1842; died June 1, 1921), was an early initiator and supporter of Meso and Central American research at the Peabody Museum. His interest in Maya studies was sparked by a pleasure trip to the Yucatan in 1888. Bowditch received both his A.B. (1863) and his M.A. (1866) from Harvard University. He was a leading member of the Museum's Committee for Central American Researchers from 1891 until his death. Bowditch joined the Department of Anthropology faculty in 1897 (1894?) and remained on it until 1921. A business man of independent means, Bowditch planned and supported many PM expeditions to Meso and Central America, and also funded publication and exhibition of their results. During his tenure at HU, he established both Fellow and Instructor positions in Central American Archaeology as well as the PM Memoirs series, which continues to publish topics of Meso and Central American interest. Bowditch was also an active member of the Archaeological Institute of America. An excellent mathematician, he was especially intrigued by Maya hieroglyphics, and his work reflected that interest. Bowditch served as a Museum trustee in 1894-95, and on various departmental committees from 1889-1899.

Source: Swerdlow, Victoria H. "Charles P. Bowditch Papers Preliminary Inventory". July 1987.

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