Bertha Parker Pallan
A pioneering Native American archaeologist whose sharp eye for detail uncovered crucial artifacts, paving the way for future Indigenous scholars.
1907–1978 (age 71)·American archaeologist·Birthday: August 30·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bertha Parker Pallan Cody carved her path in archaeology through sheer aptitude and opportunity, becoming a recognized expert in a field that rarely included women, let alone Native American women. Born to a Seneca father and Abenaki mother, her entry into the discipline was unconventional; she began as a secretary and expedition cook for her uncle, Mark Raymond Harrington, a curator at the Southwest Museum. But her natural skill was undeniable. With no formal degree, she became a respected field assistant and archaeologist, making significant finds in the American Southwest, including the rare site of Scorpion Hill in California. Her meticulous documentation and analysis, particularly of Pueblo and pre-Pueblo artifacts, earned her publication in major journals. Working at the Southwest Museum for decades, she served as a vital link between institutional archaeology and Native communities, demonstrating that Indigenous perspectives were not just subjects of study but essential to the work itself.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Bertha was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bertha Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Bertha's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1978Died at 71
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
Key Achievements
- Recognized as likely the first Native American woman to work as a professional archaeologist.
- Discovered and documented the significant archaeological site of Scorpion Hill in California.
- Published her research in authoritative journals like 'Masterkey' for the Southwest Museum.
Did You Know?
She was married to the actor Iron Eyes Cody, known as the 'crying Indian' in 1970s public service announcements.
Her mother, Beulah Tahamont, was an actress who performed in silent films.
She was also an accomplished model and posed for sculptures and photographs depicting Native American life.
“The artifact was right there in the dry cave, just below the surface.”
