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.

 Poster depicting a Red Cross nurse.
learn more about "Hold Up Your End!" War Fund Week Poster
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learn more about Hedy Lamarr
Collection Item
A vibrant palette and daub-like forms commingle in a vertical stripe pattern to conjure fleeting elements of the landscape.
learn more about "Earth Sermon—Beauty, Love and Peace" by Alma Thomas, 1971
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.
learn more about Vital Midwives
Collection Item
Fencing mask featuring an American flag across the front.
learn more about Ibtihaj Muhammad's Fencing Mask
Pages from Poems on Various Subjects
learn more about Phillis Wheatley's Poems on Various Subjects
Leather nametag with gold NASA logo and the name Mae Jemison.
learn more about Mae Jemison's Space Suit Name Tag
Book cover that reads "Blind Reading"
learn more about Solving Mail Mysteries
Collection Item