The Smithsonian Women's Committee

The Smithsonian Women's Committee is a volunteer organization that supports the Smithsonian Institution in its mission to increase and diffuse knowledge among men and women. The committee was established in 1966 by Dorothy McFadden, Elizabeth Wirt, and Nancy Hanks, with the goal of promoting the Smithsonian Institution's programs and activities, particularly in the areas of National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and National Air and Space Museum. The committee's founding members were inspired by the vision of John Smithson and the Smithsonian Institution's founding principles, which emphasize the importance of education, research, and community engagement. The committee's work is guided by the principles of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who were all pioneers in the fields of arts education, civil rights, and women's empowerment.

● History

The Smithsonian Women's Committee has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s, when Lady Bird Johnson, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Pamela Harriman were among the first women to support the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to promote the arts and humanities. The committee's early years were marked by the leadership of Dorothy McFadden, who worked closely with S. Dillon Ripley, the Smithsonian Institution's secretary at the time, to establish the committee's mission and objectives. The committee's history is also closely tied to the development of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which was founded by Wilhelmina Cole Holladay and Wallace Holladay in 1981. The committee has also worked with other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to promote the arts and humanities in the United States.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Smithsonian Women's Committee's mission is to support the Smithsonian Institution in its efforts to promote the arts and humanities, science and technology, and American history and culture. The committee's objectives are to provide financial support for the Smithsonian Institution's programs and activities, to promote the institution's mission and values, and to foster a sense of community among its members, who include Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The committee's work is guided by the principles of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul, who were all pioneers in the women's suffrage movement. The committee also works closely with other organizations, such as the National Organization for Women, the American Association of University Women, and the League of Women Voters, to promote women's empowerment and gender equality.

● Membership_and_Participation

The Smithsonian Women's Committee has a diverse membership that includes women from all over the United States, as well as from other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and United Kingdom. The committee's members are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, including arts and culture, science and technology, business and finance, and government and politics. Members of the committee include Katherine Graham, Oprah Winfrey, and Melinda Gates, who are all recognized for their contributions to philanthropy and community service. The committee offers a range of opportunities for participation, including volunteer work, fundraising events, and educational programs, which are designed to promote the Smithsonian Institution's mission and values.

● Fundraising_and_Support

The Smithsonian Women's Committee is a major source of financial support for the Smithsonian Institution, with a focus on funding programs and activities that promote the arts and humanities, science and technology, and American history and culture. The committee's fundraising efforts are led by its members, who include Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, and Catherine Reynolds, and are supported by a range of events and activities, including galas, auctions, and benefit concerts. The committee has also established a number of endowment funds and scholarship programs, which provide support for research and education in the arts and humanities, science and technology, and American history and culture. The committee's fundraising efforts are guided by the principles of Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Bill Gates, who are all recognized for their contributions to philanthropy and philanthropic giving.

● Notable_Achievements

The Smithsonian Women's Committee has achieved a number of notable successes over the years, including the establishment of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian. The committee has also provided significant support for the Smithsonian Institution's educational programs, including the Smithsonian Education initiative, which provides educational resources and professional development opportunities for teachers and educators. The committee's members have also been recognized for their contributions to philanthropy and community service, including Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Laura Bush, who are all former First Ladies of the United States.

● Governance_and_Leadership

The Smithsonian Women's Committee is governed by a board of directors that includes a range of prominent women, such as Ruth Ann Stewart, Sylvia Earle, and Meryl Streep. The committee's leadership is provided by its chairman and president, who are elected by the membership and serve for a term of two years. The committee's governance is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and stewardship, and is supported by a range of policies and procedures that ensure the effective management of the committee's resources and activities. The committee's leadership is also guided by the principles of Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, and Shirley Chisholm, who are all recognized for their contributions to women's empowerment and social justice.