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.

Pages from Poems on Various Subjects
Collection Item
Phillis Wheatley's Poems on Various Subjects
Leather nametag with gold NASA logo and the name Mae Jemison.
Collection Item
Mae Jemison's Space Suit Name Tag
Book cover that reads "Blind Reading"
Collection Item
Solving Mail Mysteries
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
Jean Ritchie sits in a field, holding a plucked dulcimer. She stares off into the distance, thoughtful.
Collection Item
Jean Ritchie
The front of the black-and-white program features a centrally oriented, thatched illustration of Wilma Rudolph.
Collection Item
Wilma Rudolph
Sandra Day O'Connor wears her work robes for the Supreme Court.
Collection Item
Sandra Day O'Connor
Mary McLeod Bethune stands in front of a painting of a house and palm trees.
Collection Item
Mary McLeod Bethune
Two busts of self-portrait of artist Janine Antoni - one made of white soap, one made of chocolate. Her features have been worn down by bathing the soap and licking the chocolate.
Collection Item
"Lick and Lather" by Janine Antoni, 1993–1994