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

How Did Mia Hamm Inspire Women to Play Sports?

June 2022 marks 50 years since Title IX, which 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.

Ancestors Know Who We Are

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

As an African American, LGBTQ+ Woman, Ethel Waters Shaped U.S. Entertainment

June marks Pride Month. Ethel Waters found fame and broke barriers as an American blues singer and actress.

Ethel Waters singing on a US Stamp. Text around her reads: 29, USA, Ethel Waters, Popular Singer, 1896-1977

Stories

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

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

Illustration of Judy Baca with an oversize paintbrush in front of a mural

Rafael López, 2021. National Museum of the American Latino.

Artist Judy Baca Embraces Community

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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

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.

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Collections

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

plate featuring Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz

100 Years of Judy Garland Smithsonian Collections

Cover of "Ms. Marvel" Volume 1 showing partial illustrated portrait of a young woman with a red scarf and gold lightning bolt on chest. It crops her eyes out. One hand is clasped in a determined fist.

Ms. Marvel Volume 1 National Museum of American History

Marsha P. Johnson looks directly at the camera, smiling, and holding a black quilt with gold, purple, and white embellishments, while she herself wears black apparel with silver sequin collar and cuffs, with rhinestone earrings and necklaces.

Marsha P. Johnson at a New York City Gay Pride Parade National Museum of African American History and Culture

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!

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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.

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