American Women's History Initiative

American Women's History Initiative. It is a comprehensive, institution-wide effort by the Smithsonian Institution to research, document, collect, and highlight the diverse stories of women in American history. Launched in 2018, it represents the most significant undertaking by the Smithsonian to correct the historical underrepresentation of women across its museums, research centers, libraries, and archives. The initiative mobilizes resources across the entire institution, from the National Museum of American History to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to ensure women's integral roles are woven into the national narrative.

Background and establishment

The initiative was formally announced in 2018 by then-Secretary of the Smithsonian, David J. Skorton, building upon decades of advocacy by scholars, curators, and the public. Its creation was influenced by earlier efforts like the National Women's History Museum advocacy and the foundational work of historians such as Gerda Lerner and Anne Firor Scott. A pivotal catalyst was the recognition of profound gaps in the Smithsonian's own collections and exhibitions, where women's achievements were often marginalized. The effort gained crucial bipartisan support in Congress, leading to the formation of a dedicated congressional committee, the American Women’s History Initiative Congressional Commission, to guide its development and ensure a national scope beyond the National Mall.

Goals and objectives

The primary goal is to fundamentally transform how American history is told by making women's stories central and visible. A key objective is to accelerate the collection of artifacts related to women, addressing historical acquisition biases that favored men's experiences. The initiative aims to create new digital resources and educational materials for students and teachers nationwide, partnering with institutions like the Library of Congress. Another major objective is to support interdisciplinary research through fellowships and grants, fostering scholarship on figures from Sacagawea to Katherine Johnson. It also seeks to develop major public exhibitions and programs at museums such as the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Key projects and initiatives

A flagship project is the **American Women’s History Museum**, which was authorized by Congress in 2020 and for which the initiative is laying the foundational curatorial and collections work. The **Because of Her Story** collecting campaign has acquired thousands of items, ranging from the gown of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the papers of activist Dolores Huerta. Digital endeavors include the **Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative** website and the **#BecauseOfHerStory** social media campaign. The initiative also produces major exhibitions, such as *"Girlhood (It's complicated)"* at the National Museum of American History, and publishes works like the *"American Women: A Timeline"* educational resource.

Impact and reception

The initiative has significantly increased the volume of women-focused acquisitions across the Smithsonian, influencing collection strategies at the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian. Its public programs have reached millions, with exhibitions receiving positive critical attention in outlets like *The New York Times*. It has fostered new academic partnerships with universities and organizations such as the National Women's History Alliance. Some scholars and critics, however, have urged a continued focus on intersectionality, ensuring the stories of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and working-class women, like those of Marsha P. Johnson or Mother Jones, remain prioritized as the initiative scales.

Leadership and organization

The initiative is led by a dedicated director, currently Lisa Sasaki, who oversees its strategic implementation across the Smithsonian's vast network. It operates under the ultimate authority of the Secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie Bunch III. A cross-institutional steering committee with representatives from museums like the National Museum of Asian Art and research centers like the Smithsonian Archives coordinates activities. External guidance is provided by the congressionally established **American Women’s History Initiative Congressional Commission**, which includes appointed members from fields such as academia, philanthropy, and public history. Funding is derived from a mix of federal appropriations and private donations raised through the Smithsonian's advancement office.

Category:Smithsonian Institution Category:Women's history in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2018