Griffin Museum Celebrates Women Trailblazers in Energy

Exhibit honors over 50 women who have shaped the future of energy and advocated for environmentally responsible practices.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In honor of Women's History Month, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is featuring a pop-up exhibit and digital display highlighting the contributions of women who have been at the forefront of the energy industry and environmental discoveries. The museum is showcasing the stories of over 50 women trailblazers, including pioneers like Eunice Newton Foote, who conducted experiments demonstrating the greenhouse effect in the 1850s, and Maria Telkes, who created the first solar-heated home.

Why it matters

The exhibit aims to shine a light on the often overlooked and underappreciated role women have played in shaping the energy industry and environmental science, dating back to the 19th century. Despite making up only 25% of the energy workforce today, women continue to be at the forefront of innovations and advocacy for sustainable energy solutions.

The details

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's Women's History Month exhibit features a pop-up display and digital presentations showcasing the stories of over 50 pioneering women in the energy field. This includes highlighting the work of Eunice Newton Foote, who conducted experiments in the 1850s demonstrating the greenhouse effect, and Hungarian American scientist Maria Telkes, who created the first solar-heated home. The museum aims to recognize the significant but often overlooked contributions women have made to advancing energy technologies and environmental science.

  • The exhibit opened on March 1, 2026 to coincide with the start of Women's History Month.
  • The exhibit will run through the end of March 2026.

The players

Eunice Newton Foote

A 19th century scientist who conducted experiments demonstrating how atmospheric water vapor and carbon dioxide affect solar heating, foreshadowing the discovery of the greenhouse effect.

Maria Telkes

A Hungarian American scientist who harnessed the power of the sun to create the first ever solar-heated home.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

A museum located in Griffin, Georgia that is hosting the exhibit honoring women trailblazers in the energy field during Women's History Month.

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The takeaway

This exhibit highlights the important but often overlooked contributions women have made to advancing energy technologies and environmental science over the past centuries. It serves as an important reminder of the need to recognize and celebrate the pioneering work of women in STEM fields.