Museums Nationwide Elevate Women's Stories in US History

Women's History Month events explore contributions from the start of the nation through space exploration.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum is leading the charge in telling the important role of women in American history, with virtual and in-person events for Women's History Month. Other museums across the country, including the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and Colonial Williamsburg, are also highlighting the stories of revolutionary women and their impact on the nation's history.

Why it matters

Highlighting the untold stories of women in American history helps expand the narrative and provide a more complete understanding of the nation's past. These efforts aim to inspire future generations and demonstrate that 'women's history is American history'.

The details

The Smithsonian museum's 'We Do Declare' project explores women's financial independence and how it has impacted their overall sense of personal freedom and security. The museum is also taking its programming on the road, with a panel discussion and student workshop in Houston examining women's contributions to space exploration. The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is showcasing the role of women in the fight for independence, including the story of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who escaped the Washingtons. Colonial Williamsburg is profiling history-making women like publisher Clementina Rind and educator Ann Wagner.

  • The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum is 'in the process of finding a physical home' on the National Mall.
  • The Smithsonian museum will host an online Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon as part of 'We Do Declare' on March 23.
  • The Smithsonian's 'Women & Space' panel discussion and student workshop will take place in Houston on March 26.
  • The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia will screen 'For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation' on March 18.
  • Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi will perform as Elizabeth Freeman (also known as Mumbet) at the Museum of the American Revolution on March 14, 21, and 28.

The players

Melanie Adams

The interim director of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.

Rachel Seidman

The project curator for the Smithsonian museum's 'We Do Declare' oral history archive.

Ellen Ochoa

The first Latina astronaut, who will be featured in the Smithsonian museum's 'Women & Space' panel discussion.

Margot Lee Shetterly

The author of 'Hidden Figures' and founder of the Human Computer Project, who will also be featured in the Smithsonian museum's 'Women & Space' panel discussion.

Kathryn Sullivan

A former NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle crew member, who will be featured in the Smithsonian museum's 'Women & Space' panel discussion.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These museums' efforts to highlight the untold stories of women in American history demonstrate a growing recognition that 'women's history is American history.' By expanding the narrative, these institutions aim to inspire future generations and provide a more complete understanding of the nation's past.