Ruth Mitchell is the Manager for Archaeological Services for Historic St. Mary’s City and has over twenty years of experience in her field. She received a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Currently, she directs fieldwork for special projects and contributes guidance for construction and infrastructure improvements made within the St. Mary’s City National Historic Landmark.

Ms. Mitchell has extensive experience on 17th-century and 18th-century sites, including work within St. Mary’s City on the Brick Chapel (ca. 1667), the St. John’s Site (ca. 1638) and the Hicks-Mackall Plantation (ca. 1754). Additional archaeological projects include St. Mary’s Female Seminary (ca. 1840) and excavations on Native American sites. Her knowledge and experience within the National Historic Landmark allows her to serve as a preservation advisor to St. Mary’s College of Maryland on various landscaping and development projects.

In pursuing her interests in community outreach and preservation, Ms. Mitchell served two terms on the Historic Preservation Commission for St. Mary’s County. She continues to participate in regional programs on historic preservation and remains an active member of Preservation Maryland. Her professional memberships include the Society for Historical Archaeology and the Council for Northeastern Historical Archaeology.

Ms. Mitchell grew up living abroad in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. She has strong interests in World Heritage Sites and is knowledgeable about the effects of tourism on Heritage Preservation. While living in Egypt she was fortunate to work with an international team led by German archaeologists in Siwa Oasis, a World Heritage nominated site.