Dr. Eleanor Breen
City Archeologist, City of Alexandria
Eleanor Breen, Ph.D., is City Archaeologist for the City of Alexandria, VA. Breen joined the City in 2016 as a staff archaeologist in the Office of Historic Alexandria, and became acting City Archaeologist in 2017.
Most recently, she has been closely involved in the archaeological exploration at Fort Ward Park, the discovery of three historic ships and thousands of other small artifacts at the Robinson Landing site in 2018, and the conservation at Texas A&M University of the ship discovered at the Hotel Indigo site in 2015.
Prior to joining the City, Breen served in increasing leadership roles in archaeology at George Washington’s Mount Vernon from 2001 to 2016, culminating with her appointment as Deputy Director of Archaeology.
Breen earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the College of William and Mary; a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; and a doctoral degree in anthropology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has authored or co-authored dozens of publications and conference presentations. Breen currently serves as president of the Council of Virginia Archaeologists and is recognized on the national Register of Professional Archaeologists.
