Because of Her Story | Smithsonian American Women's History Museum

Because of Her Story

To create a more equitable America, the Smithsonian is researching, disseminating, and amplifying the histories of American women through its American Women’s History Initiative in preparation for the future Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

Poster with women holding a banner saying Women's Rights are Human Rights

Women in Business

This women-owned Sazón Garifuna food truck is one example of Latina entrepreneurship that impacts communities and economies across the United States. Learn about more groundbreaking women from the past, present, and future.

Color photo of two women in front of a Garifuna food truck.

Leading Ballerina Maria Tallchief and Six More Women to Know this Native American Heritage Month

Ballerina Maria Tallchief (Osage) is often credited with popularizing ballet in the United States.

Ballerina Maria Tallchief rehearses a dance on pointe, extending one leg into the air. A male dancer holds her hand to support her movement. Other dancers watch in the background.

Girlhood (It's Complicated)

Throughout history, girls have spoken up, challenged expectations, and been on the front lines of social change. See how girlhood has changed over time in education, wellness, work, politics, and fashion.

Illustration of girls with light, medium, and dark skin in 1950s clothing sit, talk, and read around a schoolyard. Text reads, "In school, we learn who gets to be a girl. How girls should act. Which doors are opened to girls and which are closed."

Her Stories

Read about the Smithsonian's latest scholarship on women's history, get inspired with stories from our collections, and see other updates.

A color photograph of eleven female rappers posed together on a wooden stage in front of a brick wall.

"Female Rappers, Class of '88," 1988. Photograph by Janette Beckman. From the Eyejammie Hip-Hop Photography Collection. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture © Janette Beckman

Fashioning Power and Gender in Hip-Hop

A screenprint of a dress with beading and ribbons. This print is mostly yellow with blue and red accents.

“Wókaǧe | Create” from the Takes Care of Them series by Dyani White Hawk (Sičáŋǧu Lakota), 2019. Screen print; ink and metal foil on paper. Courtesy of the artist and Highpoint Editions for the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution.

Artist Dyani White Hawk Honors Women Leaders and Nurturers

Black and white photo of Anna May Wong wearing a suit and top hat. She arches an eyebrow and holds a glass to the camera in a toast.

Anna May Wong, by Carl Van Vechten, 1932. Gelatin silver print. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. © Carl Van Vechten Trust

Actress Anna May Wong Championed Asian American Representation in More than 60 Films

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Explore by Theme

In these themes you will find stories and objects from women who have shaped America as we know it through their work, creativity, and resolve.

Activism

Art & Design

Education

Entertainment

Health & Wellness

Public Service

Science & Innovation

Sports

Work

Featured Events

Join us for online and in-person events that tell women's stories and honor their achievements in art, history, science, business, and culture.

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Collections

The Smithsonian’s collections include iconic objects that tell the stories of American women, their struggles, and their accomplishments.

Sepia photo of Amelia Earhart smiling at Eleanor Roosevelt in front of a curtain. They both wear hats, dresses, and fur outerwear.

Collection Item

Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt National Portrait Gallery

Chien-shiung Wu turns dials on a machine

Collection Item

Chinese-American Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

Colorful quilt with golden background, black borders, and African batik and patterned fabrics fabric shaped into stars.

Collection Item

African Piece Star Quilt Anacostia Community Museum

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Media Image

Amanda Gorman Call Us What We Carry book cover

Women's History Store

Support the Smithsonian when you purchase books, puzzles, mugs, and more for your loved ones—or yourself!

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Help Amplify the Voices of American Women

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