Mary Butler Lewis (1903–1970)[1] was an American archaeologist, anthropologist, and public educator best known for her contributions to the fields of Mesoamerican archaeology and Northeastern and Central U.S.
She was the daughter of Eleanor Baird Reed and George Thomas Butler, a leading attorney of the Delaware County Bar Association.
[1][2][3] She taught French in the United States for a few years, and later began her studies in anthropology with a master's degree at Radcliffe College of Harvard University, where she graduated in 1930.
[2][3] Butler's influence in the field of Mesoamerican Archaeology began with her employment at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, where she was Assistant of the American Section from 1930 to 1939.
[3][1] At the start of her career, she travelled to Guatemala on two separate occasions for expeditions sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Museum.
[2] Afterwards, she conducted a large archaeological survey of the Hudson Valley for Vassar College, including 45 sites, sponsored by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation.
[2] After two field seasons, the Carnegie Corporation discontinued its financial support due to the war effort, where the remaining funds were directed instead.
[1][3][2] After marrying Clifford Lewis in 1942 and having two children, she shifted her professional focus to local historical sites in Pennsylvania.
[6] Female archaeologists struggled with sexism in the workforce and having to balance raising children with their careers, so the best option was to work close to home.
[6][2][1] She "bundled up her eleven-week-old daughter in the car and went forth to the dig - carrying on efficiently as director, and giving the baby her bottle at the coffee break and lunch hour.