Our Mission and Vision
We are the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. We passionately believe that we all benefit from a deeper historical understanding of our nation.
Our museum expands the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively—to better understand our past and inspire our future.
Our mission is to create space for women's history on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., deepen our nation's stories, and inspire conversation, connection, and change.
Our ultimate vision is a more representative history, a more collective future.
Women's history is American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum open?
Based upon previous experience constructing museums, the Smithsonian estimates it will be at least ten years before physical buildings are open to the public.
Who is leading the museum?
Melanie A. Adams is the Interim Director of Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.
An advisory council has been formed and is composed of 19 citizens, the Smithsonian Secretary, a member of the Board of Regents, and four members appointed by congressional leadership. A Committee of Scholars has been formed and is composed of 15 leaders from various academic disciplines.
Learn more about the Smithsonian American Women's Museum leadership.
Is the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum related to the National Museum of Women’s History or the National Museum of Women in the Arts?
No. The Smithsonian is not affiliated with the National Museum of Women's History or the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Congress signed legislation to create the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on December 27, 2020, making the Smithsonian museum a new entity. The National Museum of Women's History and the National Museum of Women in the Arts are separate nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations.
How is the museum being funded?
The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum will be brought to life via a public-private partnership. In addition to federal appropriations, philanthropy and support from the public will be essential for the development of the Museum.
How can I support the museum?
By making a tax-deductible donation, you can help the Smithsonian build an American Women’s History Museum in our nation’s capital.
The museum is not accepting object donations at this time. We greatly appreciate people’s willingness to donate objects to the new museum, but we ask for your patience and understanding while we develop the internal infrastructure to assess, house, conserve, and care for the museum’s future collections.
How do I donate an object?
Thank you for your interest in our collection! We will not accept object donations until after the site for our physical location on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. has been determined. If your object donation cannot wait, we recommend contacting another Smithsonian museum for information about their collecting policy.