The Rt. Rev. Richard Bland Mitchell was the eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas. He was elected in 1938 and retired in 1956. He is remembered for his leadership in carrying the diocese out of a difficult period into a renewed era of growth, particularly in the establishment of new congregations, and for authorizing the land purchase for the building of that is now known as Camp Mitchell. Mitchell is also remembered for raising his voice in support of the Supreme Court's ruling on Brown v. Board of Education, and following his retirement, he briefly served as Chancellor of the University of South. He died in 1961. The Personal Papers of Bishop Mitchell include a substantial collection of personal objects, diaries, books, correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, clippings, administrative and financial papers, and other family memorabilia, from the late 19th century to 1961.
