Join the National Women’s History Museum on select Sundays each month as we bring you free virtual programming from the comfort of your home! From panel discussions, author talks, guest curated walk throughs of brand-new online exhibits and virtual workshops, we invite you to take a “women’s history break” with us to feel inspired and come away empowered by the stories of women on whose shoulders we now stand. All NWHM Presents! [email protected] programming is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
"The Missing Waves of Feminism" Symposium Series
April 11, June 13, September 26 and December 12
7:00pm ET
In celebration of 25 years of service and dedication to amplifying women’s distinct contributions to our nation’s history, the National Women’s History Museum is proud to present this four-part virtual panel discussion series, “The Missing Waves of Feminism.” “The Missing Waves” examines the “lost eras” of the traditionally recognized canon of the Four Waves of Feminism, including examples of early activism, the roles of minority women, and the impact of social movements that continued to progress for women’s rights even as the nation’s attention was turned to wars, pandemics, and internal disputes.
Highlighting barrier-breaking women, scholars, and activists whose work centers around citizenship, equity, voter suppression, equal pay, and social justice, the panelists represent a diverse array of disciplines and cultural studies. Using a virtual platform, this eye-opening series strives to connect audiences with presenters whose intellect and talents demonstrate women’s backbone, ingenuity, and forward thinking from the late 18th century to the start of this new decade.
These events are free to attend, but advance registration is required.
Click here to register for one, or all four, events.
The Missing Waves of Feminism: The Second Wave
Sunday, June 13th 7:00pm ET
More information coming soon!
Pre-register here
The Missing Waves of Feminism: The Third Wave
Sunday, September 26th 7:00pm ET
More information coming soon!
Pre-register here
The Missing Waves of Feminism: The Fourth Wave
Sunday, December 12th 7:00pm ET
More information coming soon!
Pre-register here
Feminism: The First Wave, Guest Curator-Led Virtual Tour
Sunday, May 2, 3:00pm ET
While many date the “first wave” of feminism to the Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, the origins of feminisms lay much earlier. So-called "first wave feminists"—of all racial and ethnic backgrounds—were influenced by the political involvement and tactics of civically engaged women from all over the world dating back centuries.
With the Convention in 1848, feminist-minded activists began to see the right to vote as key to unlocking other rights and power. Yet the fight for the vote was unequal and segregated, with many women of color left out of white-dominated organizations and public events.
Feminists of color—including African American, Asian, and Latina women—would not be shut out, though, and formed their own organizations to advocate for reform, social justice, and their rights as women. With the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, the "first wave" of feminism left the door open for continued activism and subsequent waves of feminisms.
Women's Army Corps: Female Soldiers in World War II, Guest Curator-led Virtual Tour
Sunday, May 16, 3:00pm ET
Unlike the other women’s auxiliaries, WACs served in all theatres of the war, dispelling the notion that women were unfit for combat conditions. Working as switchboard operators, mechanics, cryptanalysts, clerks, motor pool drivers, and in many more positions both overseas and stateside, WACs effectively freed men to fight on the frontlines where they were needed most. Not only did the Women’s Army Corps assist in securing an Allied victory during WWII, they proved that women could serve their country effectively and paved the way for women’s place in the Army today.
Join NWHM Education Programs Manager Liz Eberlein for a guest curator-led virtual tour of the Museum's popular online exhibit, The Women's Army Corps: Female Soldiers in World War II, in honor and observance of National Military Appreciation Month.
The National Women’s History Museum strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. For questions, or to request accommodations such as an ASL interpreter or captioning, please email [email protected] at least 7 days in advance of the program.