Women's History Month

National Women's History Month 2011

This year, the Department of Defense (DoD) theme for National Women's History Month (WHM) is "Our History is Our Strength." This year's theme pays tribute to the millions of women who have helped create a better world for the times in which they lived, as well as, for future generations. Women overcoming the many challenges they faced serve as a source of strength for all of us. Although women's history is intertwined with that of men, women's unique contributions to the history of our nation merit our utmost praise and attention.

Women's History Month traces its origins to International Women's Day, which took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. President Jimmy Carter issued the Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980 as National Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded this event into a month-long celebration as it is known today.

The history of women is in reality the most defining factor of who we are as a people. This year, the National Women's Project instead of recognizing National Honorees, they are encouraging communities and institutions to honor women from our communities, states, and organizations "whose lives and work have served to inspire the strength that comes from knowing the stories of these determined women."

You can pay tribute to the historical achievements of women who have made a difference in our country's history by visiting the bounty of historical sites and museums in Washington, DC dedicated to preserving and honoring the contributions of women as follows:

Sites to visit:

Clara Barton National Historic Site
The home of Clara Barton served as the headquarters and warehouse for the American Red Cross where she coordinated relief efforts for victims of natural disasters and war from 1897-1904. Clara Barton National Historic Site is located in Glen Echo, Maryland adjacent to Glen Echo Park, a National Park for the arts.

National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is located in the heart of Washington, DC and is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to celebrating the artistic achievements of women. The museum's permanent collection features more than 3,000 works of art by women from the 16th century to the present.

Sewall-Belmont House and Museum
This women's history museum displays fine art and artifacts from the women's suffrage and equal rights movements. See furniture belonging to Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and National Women's Party Party founder, Alice Paul. Sewall-Belmont House and Museum is a national historic landmark and has been the historic headquarters of the National Woman's Party since 1929. The museum hosts regular children's programs including arts & crafts and storytelling.

Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1890 as a women's organization dedicated to preserving American history and promoting patriotism. Its national headquarters, located in the heart of Washington, DC, houses a museum, a library and a concert hall. The DAR museum features 32 Period Rooms that depict regional American furnishings from the 17th to the early 20th century.

The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House served as headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women from 1943 to 1966. This site commemorates the life of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American woman who grew up in poverty in South Carolina, yet rose to become an influential educator, presidential advisor, and political activist.

Lastly, soon to come to Washington, DC will be the National Women's History Museum. A non-profit educational institution has been established with the intent to build the first ever women's national museum in Washington, DC. They are currently working on securing a site.