Frances Dorrance

Frances Dorrance's passion for preservation and conservation in Pennsylvania led her on a life of archaeological discoveries, unveiling many past indigenous relics in the region. She was born in Wilkes-Barre on June 30, 1877. A 1900 graduate of Vassar College, she went on to pursue a degree from the NY School of Library Science, Albany. Her career began with translating horticulture studies from German and French into English. She worked as a librarian in New Jersey, in Luzerne County, as head of the Circulation Department at Wilkes College Library from 1938-52. 

In 1922, Dorrance became the director of the Wyoming Historical Society of Luzerne County PA. Dorrance's enthusiasm centered around archaeology and prehistoric villages in Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1920s, she promoted a statewide archaeological program, recognized today as the Pennsylvania Archaeological Site Survey; the first comprehensive archaeological survey in the Commonwealth. The survey resulted in the identification of nineteen hundred archaeological sites in forty-seven counties in Pennsylvania. Dorrance supported the establishment of a public history agency and, in 1929, was appointed to the Pennsylvania Historical Commission (now the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission), and served as s2ns Vice Chairperson. 

In 1929, Dorrance established the Society for Pennsylvania ARchaeologists (PSA), personally initiating dozens of projects. The society's mission is to promote the study of prehistoric and historic archaeological resources of Pennsylvania and neighboring states. 

Dorrance's commitment to unearthing the past helped build an appreciation for the cultural heritage of our area's indigenous populations. In recognition of her efforts, she was honored with the following:

1952 Dorrance was honored as a Distinguished Daughter of the Commonwealth.

1970 Frances Dorrance became the FIRST recipient of the J. Alden Mason Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to professional archaeologists based on his/her contribution to the education and encouragement of archaeology. 

Chapter 11 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeologists was named after Frances Dorrance.