Collections

The Smithsonian’s collections include iconic objects that tell the stories of American women, their struggles, and their accomplishments. Explore collection highlights and stories related to women and girls, or search our digital records.

This artifact is a Development Test Model (DTM) for the Voyager spacecraft.
Collection Item
The Women of Voyager
A tintype occupational portrait of a woman, likely a doctor or possibly a nurse or midwife, carrying a medical bag. The woman is standing tall at the center of the image, looking directly at the camera. She carries a medical bag in her proper left hand.
Collection Item
Vital Midwives
Jean Ritchie sits in a field, holding a plucked dulcimer. She stares off into the distance, thoughtful.
Collection Item
Jean Ritchie
Romaine Brooks portrays herself in the dark colors of a man's outfit, her eyes veiled under the shadow of her hat brim.
Collection Item
"Self-Portrait" by Romaine Brooks, 1923 
Queen Lili‘uokalani poses for a royal portrait. She wears a sash.
Collection Item
Queen Liliʻuokalani
Papier-mache version of the Statue of Liberty. Liberty is Latina and carries a cornucopia of tomatoes instead of a tablet. Instead of a torch, she holds a tomato aloft in her hand.
Collection Item
Immokalee Statue of Liberty by Kat Rodriguez
White political poster with black text titled THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A WOMAN ARTIST
Collection Item
“The Advantages of Being a Woman Artist” poster by the Guerilla Girls
An Alpha Kappa Alpha metal pin with a pin back. The pin is a circular gold ring with gold ivy leaves at center. The bottom portion of the circle has "A K A" on it and a diamond, while the top half of the pin has lettering that reads "Alpha Kappa Alpha."
Collection Item
Pin for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's 75th Anniversary
Outdoor scene of an incarceration camp, including telephone wires across the camp, two dwelling units, and a row of trees. There are no people pictured.
Collection Item
Kay Sekimachi's Painting of Tanforan Incarceration Camp