Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. We strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power. NWHM fills in major omissions of women in history books and K-12 education, providing scholarly content and educational programming for teachers, students, and parents. We reach more than five million visitors each year through our online content and education programming and, in March 2023, mounted our first physical exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, DC, "We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC."

 

LaNada War Jack (1947- ) is an activist for Indigenous rights who, since childhood, has fought to preserve Native American identity and tribal rights. She is a part of multiple generations of Shoshone and Bannock peoples who have made a life of advocating for Native tribal sovereignty, land and water rights, and access to quality education. Between 1969 and 1971, War Jack was one of the core Occupation of Alcatraz organizers and one of the 14 original occupiers, sharing about her experience: “We can’t help but be who we are.” While she is most known for significantly contributing to the Alcatraz Occupation, her leadership continues to take many shapes. Today, she continues to serve as a professor, author, and activist. 

You can learn more about LaNada War Jack and activists for Indigenous rights in U.S. history in this month’s featured biographies.

Use the NWHM’s compendium of online biographies to spark curiosity and dig deeper into women’s impact throughout our shared national history. Explore more here.