Statement on the Passing of Rosalynn Carter
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter (1927–2023) is frequently noted as the wife of former President Jimmy Carter; however, it would be remiss to overlook a public life dedicated to the lifelong advocacy of mental and emotional health services, women’s rights and equality, housing equity justice, international human rights, the peaceful resolution of conflict, improved global health initiatives, the enhancement of freedom and democracy worldwide, and the establishment of the modern, engaged Office of the First Lady. These are the efforts and accomplishments that young women and girls will remember and study for inspiration to utilize their own voices and platforms to advocate for a more just world in which they exceed societal expectations and create communities of equitable resilience.
We will honor Mrs. Carter’s life and continue in the vein of her legacy by amplifying women’s accomplishments, inspiring young people to act in their local communities, and making lasting contributions towards a more equitable and representative world in our own mission’s work.
About the National Women's History Museum
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.
The 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 four 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. The Museum is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit us at womenshistory.org.