Mia grew up in Virginia’s Hunt country. After graduating from Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia, she became a Trustee of Foxcroft and then co-chair of its Centennial celebration. She pursued an arts education at institutions in the United States, England, Italy and Switzerland and after working at Sotheby’s in London, she received her fine arts degree from American University.
Her deep interest and respect for architectural and cultural history led to her active involvement in preservation of America’s heritage. She became a member of the Council of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and co-chair of the “Restore America Gala” held at the Library of Congress. She has been a former Trustee of Oatlands Plantation and in addition, she assisted with the United States Commission for the America’s Heritage Abroad. Her preservation and restoration projects include an Embassy Row Mansion in Washington, D.C. (which was sold to the Embassy of Estonia) and a historic farmhouse in Virginia.
It was through her interest in genealogy, and her respect for historical background and preserving history that led Mia Martin to her involvement with various genealogical societies serving as the Recording Secretary for the Colonial Dames XV1 century and as Chair of its heraldry committee, the DAR and the Pilgrim Society. More recently, Mia Martin has been elected to The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is the author of Dog Heraldry, “The Official Collection of Canine Coat of Arms” published by Simon & Schuster which was launched at the Westminster Kennel Club.
Additional contributions of Mia Martin also highlight her role in the preservation of cultural history, while her passion for the arts continues to be reflected through her projects and writings. Throughout her career, Mia Martin has balanced historical preservation with creative endeavors, making her a unique figure in both fields. Her dedication to heritage and artistry has been widely recognized, and Mia Martin remains actively engaged in initiatives that celebrate and safeguard history.