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

Kitty Cone: Advocate for Disability Rights

Many people celebrate July as Disability Pride Month. In July 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than a decade earlier, Kitty Cone fought for legislation to ensure Americans with disabilities had equal rights.

Kitty Cone is surrounded by reporters holding microphones. She uses a wheelchair. Someone behind her interprets in American Sign Language.

Ancestors Know Who We Are

Six Black-Indigenous women artists address race, gender, multiracial identity, and intergenerational knowledge.

How Did Mia Hamm Inspire Women to Play Sports?

Fifty years ago Title IX led to an increase in the number of women competing in amateur and professional athletics. Soccer star Mia Hamm became a professional athlete a generation later.

White jersey with Hamm and red 9.

Stories

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

Painting of Romaine Brooks wearing a riding hat and coat, depicted in shades of black, white, and gray

“Self-Portrait” by Romaine Brooks, 1923. Oil on canvas. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1966.49.1

Artist Romaine Brooks and More LGBTQ+ Women to Know

Black-and-white autographed photograph of Tiny Davis playing the trumpet

Tiny Davis playing trumpet. International Sweethearts of Rhythm Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Six Musicians Who Led Social Change

Photo of Dava Newman wearing a BioSuit

BioSuit (TM), Inventor, Science and Engineering, Professor Dava Newman, MIT, Design, Guillermo Trotti, A.I.A., Trotti and Associates, Inc. (Cambridge, MA), Fabrication, Dainese (Vicenza, Italy), Photography, Douglas Sonders, Courtesy Professor Dava Newman and Guillermo Trotti.

Five Women Who Imagine a Hopeful Future

Explore All

Discover Her Story

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

Community

Education

Entertainment

Health & Wellness

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.

Explore All Events

Collections

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

Group of women with light skin tones weaving baskets

Basketry class at the Delta Art Center, Greenville, Mississippi Archives of American Art

Model of a circular pill dispenser made of plastic, a metal fastener, and a wood dowel

Pill Dispenser Prototype National Museum of American History

Illustration of a person wearing a hijab

Person With Headscarf Emoji Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Explore All Collections

book cover. Author is Amanda Gorman and title is Call Us What We Carry

Women's History Store

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

Join the Because of Her Story Community

You'll get the latest news, updates and more delivered directly to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Help Amplify the Voices of American Women

Decades in the making, the Smithsonian is building an American Women’s History Museum in our nation’s capital.

Donate Now Other Ways to Give

Back to Top Back to Main Content