Knowledge Sharing Platform

"Established in 1912 as the Municipal Museum in Rochester, New York, the Rochester Museum & Science Center has constantly expanded and evolved to meet the changing needs of our community.

The Museum’s first curator, Edward D. Putnam, served from 1913 until 1924, when New York State Archaeologist Arthur C. Parker became museum director. Parker developed the Museum’s holdings and research in anthropology, natural history, geology, biology, and the history and industry of the Genesee Region. Deeply committed to serving the community, Parker saw the Museum as a “university of the common man.” Among Parker’s most important legacies were a WPA-funded program, the Indian Arts Project, and the construction of Bausch Hall.

In 1945, W. Stephen Thomas, a trained museum professional from Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences, succeeded Arthur Parker. His enthusiasm for learning was contagious, and he encouraged staff and volunteers to interact with museum visitors within the galleries and through outreach efforts in the community. His tenure saw the creation of state-of-the art dioramas and tremendous growth of collections in history, technology, natural science, archaeology, and anthropology."