Patricia Rutenberg

Patricia Rutenberg is a Teaching Professor in the Department of History at the University of Tennessee. Her work bridges academic and public history, with a focus on 20th-century American political and social history. She has held leadership roles in organizations like the Tennessee Presidents Trust and the Blount Mansion Association. Rutenberg earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1988.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 1988

Research & Teaching: Rutenberg’s research emphasizes public history and judicial history, reflected in her book Justice in the Valley. She teaches courses such as The City as History: Introduction to Public History and Development of Western Civilization. Her community engagement includes roles on boards like the Knoxville Museum of Art and Knoxville History Project.

Awards:

• Participated in three National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminars

Professional Contributions: Rutenberg has contributed to initiatives like the Papers of Andrew Jackson project and the Bijou Theater Historical Working Group. Her career combines academic teaching with public history outreach, fostering community engagement through historical preservation and education.