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

The First “Queen of Tejano” and Six More Women to Know this Hispanic Heritage Month

In 1934, guitarist and singer Lydia Mendoza recorded "Mal Hombre," a breakthrough hit song of Tejano ("Tex Mex") music.

Screenprint of Lydia Mendoza playing the guitar

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."

Nina Otero-Warren Improved Education and Fought for Suffrage

The U.S. Mint recently released a quarter featuring Adelina "Nina" Otero-Warren, a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement and Santa Fe’s first woman superintendent of schools.

Illustration of quarter featuring Nina Otero-Warren with her hands clasped, three flowers, and the text "Voto Para La Mujer."

Stories

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

Close up of Ana Mendieta. Her eyes are closed and her expression is calm.

Still image from Ana Mendieta’s Sweating Blood, 1973, single channel, super-8mm film transferred to high-definition digital media, color, silent; 03:18 min., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the American Women's History Initiative Acquisitions Pool, Administered through the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative, 2021.38, © The Estate of Ana Mendieta Collection LLC. Courtesy Galerie Lelong & Co. Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

How Groundbreaking Artist Ana Mendieta Remembered her Homeland

Comic of ten different women artists all drawn in different styles

Drawn to Art, New Comics About Women Artists

Illustration of Puerto Rican writer, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, from bust-up, holding a book open toward her. She has black, straight hair, pulled back, and a medium skin tone. She wears a gray, button-up dress, white collar, and a puffy necktie. Behind her, yellow, pink, and green leaves, and branches.

Latina Identities in Art and Literature

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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

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.

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

Spooky artwork of Medusa with snakes in her hair. She is breaking through stone.

Collection Item

"Medusa" by Laura Dreyfus Barney Smithsonian American Art 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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