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Feminism: The Second Wave

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About Us

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."

Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.

Myra Pollack Sadker
Professor, Author, Researcher, and Activist

Did You Know?

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). Her motto and title of her autobiography—Unbought and Unbossed—illustrates her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

If we want our girls to benefit from the courage and wisdom of the women before them, we have to share the stories.

Shireen Dodson

Discover Online Exhibits

Explore powerful stories of women who shaped history. Online Exhibits offer a unique glimpse into women's impact, resilience, and legacies.

Museum News

Close-up of Ida B. Wells in W frame

New Must-Read Commentary in the Chicago Tribune from NWHM Board Chair Susan Whiting:

"Chicago Activist Ida B. Wells Changes the Face of American Currency"
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Pink "W" frame with the letters "WMH" in white

NWHM Announces 2025 Women Making History Awards Gala Honorees

Honorees include Sara Blakely, Dr. Opal Lee, Shirley Welsh Ryan, and Mattel.
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NWHM W Image

National Women’s History Museum Awarded $2.5 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Forthcoming Exhibition

New exhibition, "Faith and Freedom: Women's Social Justice Activism Through the Lens of Spirituality and Religion," will explore the intertwined, complex relationships between faith, ‘feminisms,’ and freedom.
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Brave Girls Virtual Storytime is Back!

Calling all young readers and their grownups! Join author Monica Clark-Robinson as she reads her book, Standing On Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women, followed by a “follow-along” activity!

This free virtual program is designed for audiences in grades K-5 and their grownups!

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Join Us

Join us on March 15 for a conversation with program participants to commemorate the 5-year anniversary of the Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project.

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Upcoming Events

2025-03-06

Brave Girls Virtual Storytime: Standing On Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women

Calling all young readers and their grownups! Join author Monica Clark-Robinson as she reads her book, Standing On Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women, followed by a “follow-along” activity!
READ MORE
2025-03-15

NWHM Presents: Women Writing History

Join us for a conversation with (participants) to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project.
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2025-03-20

Women Making History Awards Gala

The Women Making History Awards Gala, hosted by the National Women’s History Museum and honorary gala chair Meryl Streep, returns on March 20, 2025. Join us in Washington, DC to celebrate extraordinary, trailblazing women.
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2025-03-20

Walking Tour: Women Making History

Pay tribute to the honorees of the National Women's History Museum's annual gala by exploring herstory in Downtown DC.
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