Book a lecturer from NWHM Speakers Bureau
Feminism: The Second Wave

Museum News

Upcoming Events

About Us

Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. We strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power. NWHM fills in major omissions of women in history books and K–12 education, providing scholarly content and educational programming for teachers, students, and parents. We reach more than five million visitors each year through our online content and education programming and, in March 2023, mounted our first physical exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, DC, “We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC.”

Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.

Myra Pollack Sadker
Professor, Author, Researcher, and Activist

Did You Know?

Lucille Ball was the first woman to own a major film studio. When Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz divorced in 1960, he sold his stake in Desilu Productions to her—making her a studio owner at a time when women rarely held significant power in entertainment. But Ball's impact went beyond ownership. She and Arnaz pioneered production techniques that became industry standard, including filming in front of a live studio audience and using three cameras. These innovations, developed while producing I Love Lucy, transformed how television shows were made. Ball also mentored the next generation of female comedians, ensuring her knowledge shaped the field for years to come. Learn more about trailblazing actresses, screenwriters, and producers in this month's set of featured biographies.

If we want our girls to benefit from the courage and wisdom of the women before them, we have to share the stories.

Shireen Dodson

Discover Online Exhibits

Explore powerful stories of women who shaped history. Online Exhibits offer a unique glimpse into women’s impact, resilience, and legacies.

Museum News

blue w logo

National Women’s History Museum Appoints Strategic Leaders Scott Hefter and Joyce Winnecke to Board of Directors

Their combined expertise in digital innovation, organizational strategy, and compelling storytelling will accelerate the Museum’s ability to deliver on its digital-first strategy and expand the ways women’s history is preserved, shared, and celebrated.
READ MORE
blue W logo

CMO Announcement: National Women’s History Museum Appoints Lisa Franklin as First Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Digital-First Vision

The National Women’s History Museum is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa Franklin as its first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, a strategic investment that will deepen the Museum’s reach, impact, and influence.
READ MORE
w logo

Statement on the Passing of Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner

NWHM mourns the passing of Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner, a pioneering historian, author, educator, and longtime member of our Scholars Advisory Council.
READ MORE

Upcoming Events

2026-06-24

NWHM x Jane Addams Hull-House Museum History by the Slice Trivia Night

At the NWHM x Jane Addams Hull-House Museum History by the Slice Trivia Night, have free pizza, meet new people, build community, and learn about women’s history, all while exploring the Hull-House Museum.
READ MORE
2026-06-25

NWHM x Tudor Place History by the Slice Trivia Night

At the NWHM x Tudor Place History by the Slice Trivia Night, have free pizza, meet new people, build community, and learn about women’s history, all while exploring the Tudor Place Historic House & Garden.
READ MORE
2026-07-01

NWHM x Dallas Public Library History by the Slice Trivia Night

At the NWHM x Dallas Public Library History by the Slice Trivia Night, have free pizza, meet new people, build community, and learn about women’s history, all while exploring the Oak Lawn Branch of the Dallas Public Library.
READ MORE