Bachelor, University Pennsylvania, 1948.
Master of Arts, University Pennsylvania, 1950.
Doctor of Philosophy, University Pennsylvania, 1955

Dechert, Peter was born on December 17, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Robert and Helen Hope (Wilson) Dechert.

Owner Peter Dechert Associates, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 1956—1968. Assistant director School American Research, Santa Fe, 1968—1971. President Indian Arts Fund, 1971—1972, Southwest Foundation Audio-Visual Resources, Santa Fe, 1973—1977.

Self-employed writer, photographer. Teacher, consultant photograph communications, since 1964. With Army of the United States, 1943-1946.

Board directors St. Vincent Hospital, president, 1981—1983, vice president, 1984. Member St. Anthony Hall. Vestry Church of Holy Faith, 1994—1997.

Member of American Society Media Photographers, Don Quixotes of Santa Fe, New Mexico Jazz Workshop, Southwest Association Indian Arts, New Mexico Poetry Society (president 1969-1974), Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution, Phi Beta Kappa