The National Women’s History Museum announced it will have a physical presence in Washington, DC, in August 2020 to celebrate the centennial of the ratification of the 19^th Amendment—the most significant milestone toward women’s equality in American history. Currently a  “museum without walls,” the Museum is one of the country’s largest cyber-destinations with more than 1 million visitors to its website annually, and more than 600,000 followers on its social media platforms.

The Museum is investigating potential sites for a physical location on or near the National Mall where it can launch exhibits celebrating and honoring women, and preview what a “museum with walls” will look like and offer visitors. Supporting a strong public-private partnership that ensures it takes its place among the other great museums in the nation’s capital, the Museum hopes to announce a site and additional centennial celebration plans in early 2019. 

“This is the next step on our long journey to have a physical museum that shows women’s impact on American history,” said the National Women’s History Museum Board Chair Susan D. Whiting. “We plan to invite others to join us on this journey and celebrate the day women won the right to vote.”

Education and Inspiration at the Core of the Museum’s Mission

Since it was founded in 1996, the Museum has succeeded building a significant educational and inspirational digital museum for teachers, students, parents and those interested in women’s history. The Museum supports teachers and students by working with and employing master educators, scholars and public history experts to create educational materials including lesson plans that meet state education standards. These materials incorporate women and their experiences into classroom discussions from a women’s history perspective. In addition, the website features hundreds of biographies and articles, and online exhibits through Google Arts & Culture. Through its electronic field trips, the Museum engages teachers and students bringing Museum educators into classrooms nationwide offering a glimpse into how museums bring history to life.

The Time is Now for a Physical Presence

For more than two decades, the Museum has led a group of women and men from all walks of life, working with Congress and others to build a physical museum — a place where men and women, boys and girls can go to expand their understanding of women’s roles and leave with a complete view of American history. 

“We are at a critical pivot point in our nation’s history,” said Whiting. “Women are finding their voices, and the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment is just on the horizon,” said Whiting. “We believe we have waited long enough for a National Women’s History Museum that tells our stories and gives women the respect they earned and deserve for their contributions to our country. Our time is now.”

CONTACT:

Chris Lisi
202-549-0696
[email protected]

Shanna Duncan  
703-209-8742
[email protected]

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About the National Women’s History Museum

Founded in 1996 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, the National Women's History Museum researches, collects and exhibits women's contributions to the nation’s social, cultural, economic and political life. The Museum engages people through its “museum without walls,” including its interactive website, online and physical exhibits, education programs, live presentations and social media to ensure these tell stories are told. Through these efforts and a future physical presence, the Museum serves as a guiding light to inspire people regardless of gender, class, race or culture to move into the future with respect, equal confidence, greater partnership and opportunity. The Museum envisions a place where visitors can expand their understanding of women's roles and leave with a complete view of American history. For additional information visit womenshistory.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.