William Henry Scott (historian)

William Henry Scott (born Henry King Ahrens; July 10, 1921 – October 4, 1993) was an American historian of the Cordillera Central and pre-Hispanic Philippines, ethnographer, and academic. He was known for his extensive research on Philippine history, indigenous cultures, and pre-colonial societies. A longtime resident of the Philippines, he dedicated much of his scholarship to studying the Igorot people and pre-Hispanic Filipino civilizations.

Scott authored several influential works that challenged colonial narratives and misconceptions about early Philippine societies, most notably Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History (1968), which critically examined Spanish-era documents and indigenous accounts. His research significantly contributed to the understanding of pre-colonial Philippine culture, trade, and governance.

In addition to his academic career, Scott was a Benedictine monk before leaving the religious order, later becoming a professor at the University of the Philippines Baguio. His commitment to historical accuracy and indigenous perspectives earned him recognition as one of the leading historians of Philippine history.