• By Bsrat Mezghebe
• March 22, 2022

Uplifting the Histories of American Women

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to showcase the historical experiences and impact of women in this country through the American Women’s History Museum and other initiatives.

Advocates have campaigned for decades for a museum to recognize women’s history and accomplishments, with three senators first introducing a bill to create one in 2003. In 2014, Congress approved the establishment of a Commission to study a museum’s potential, thanks to the efforts of its bipartisan co-sponsors: Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) (original sponsors of the 2003 bill) and Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to commemorate the remarkable achievements of the fearless trailblazers who’ve shaped our history,” said Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform and NCPC Commissioner. “Celebrating women’s history and preserving these stories should occur year-round, and I believe it is only fitting that the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum be located on the National Mall. Women have been front and center during every major moment in our nation’s history, and it’s long overdue for us to properly recognize their achievements and inspire generations to come.”

Congress approved the creation of the museum in 2020, which was the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, along with the creation of the National Museum of the American Latino. The new facilities mark groundbreaking efforts to elevate underrepresented stories as part of the world’s largest museum complex.

The Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents is authorized to select sites for the two museums. A number of sites on and around the National Mall are currently under consideration. As part of the site selection process, the museums’ legislation requires the Smithsonian to consult with several entities, including the Chair of NCPC. At NCPC’s March 2022 meeting, Smithsonian representatives provided an update on the multi-phased site evaluation study, including details on evaluation criteria, sites under consideration, and stakeholder feedback. Early outreach reveals preferences for a site that offers a sense of belonging for all, proximity to the National Mall or other sites of interest, and accommodations for gatherings and long visits.

In preparation for the museum, the Smithsonian launched the American Women’s History Initiative to research and amplify the histories of American women. With a focus on digital archives and storytelling, the initiative captures the experiences of women throughout the institution’s museums, research centers, cultural heritage affiliates, and platforms. The initiative’s website features digital collections and information on exhibitions and events that spotlight women, including artist talks, collection highlights, and updates on Smithsonian scholarship.

The Smithsonian is celebrating Women’s History Month with the forward-looking Women’s Futures Month festival, which recognizes the power of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to shape a better world. The festival features #IFThenSheCan - The Exhibit, a collection of 120 life-sized statues of diverse women STEM innovators, and the largest collection of statues of women ever assembled.

American Women's History Initiative Commission Meeting Materials