Explore

Themes

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.

Anna May Wong poses, holding a fan behind her head. She wears a yellow dress with dragons emblazoned on it.

Entertainment

Formal, posed head and torso studio portrait of Sally Kristen Ride.

Science & Innovation

Painting of Henrietta Lacks standing against a background with a repeating geometric "Flower of Life" motif. She wears a hat and pearls and she holds a Bible.

Health & Wellness

Explore All Themes

Blog

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

Mural of women relaxing and dancing along a river with trees and flowers, and the words "Everyone Deserves Clean Air and Water"

Story

To Live and Breathe: Environmental Justice in Their Own Words

Pastel portrait of Serena Williams similing with bare shoulders and long hair. She is framed by green foliage.

Serena by Toyin Ojih Odutola, 2022. Pastel, charcoal and graphite on paper. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. Acquired through the generosity of NIKE, Inc. Additional support provided by Lydia Cheney and Jim Sokol; Esusu Financial, Inc.; Wemimo Abbey & Samir Goel; Osagie & Losenge Imasogie; Madison Ruby Wilbourn.

Story

Four New Portraits Honor Black Women at the Smithsonian

Graphic featuring design for quarter with Edith Kanakaʻole’s face blending into a background of mountains and a river. Text on the quarter includes “E hō mai ka ʻike.”

Story

Composer and Educator Edith Kanakaʻole Protected the Native Hawaiian Worldview

Explore the Blog

Topics

American women's history can be seen through many lenses that help tell a more complete story of our nation.

American Indian Women

Graphic with five quarter designs featuring the women listed in this article

2022 American Women Quarters™ Program designs. Copyright United States Mint. Used with permission.

American Women Quarters Program

Black and white photograph of pro skater Judi Oyama while she was on the Santa Cruz skate team.

Asian Pacific American Women

Explore All Topics

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.