University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program

The Nationality Rooms are a series of rooms within the Cathedral of Learning that represent the various ethnic groups that immigrated to Pittsburgh and built the city and its industries. Ruth Crawford Mitchell was appointed to direct the Nationality Rooms Program by Chancellor Bowman before the first spade of dirt was turned for the construction of the Cathedral. Her background in sociology and her specialization in immigrants and immigration provided her with no small amount of insight as to how to convince the various groups to sponsor and build these rooms. Mrs. Mitchell served in this capacity from 1926 until her retirement in 1956.