Two women look at a self-portrait by artist Frida Kahlo at The National Museum of Women in the Arts. Photo by Derek Baker for NMWA.
The contributions of women throughout our national and local history cannot be overstated. And in March, we celebrate all tremendous women during Women’s History Month. Thankfully, our region is home to several museums, exhibits, and sites that offer historic context about female leaders, movements, and culture. And there’s, perhaps, no better way to celebrate women than by immersing yourself in our shared history at the following attractions.
Mary Cassatt, The Bath, 1891, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Photo by Lee Stalsworth for NMWA.
Founded in 1981, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, originated as the first museum in the world with a sole dedication to women in the arts, aiming to champion and exemplify the incredible works of women. Located in Washington, D.C., the museum is open six days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays). The museum’s current goal is to advocate for a stronger, more positive representation of women artists while also serving as a community-centric spot for social change and leadership to flourish.
With a permanent collection featuring more than 5,500 works of art from 1,000 represented artists dating all the way back to the 16th century, the museum also rotates special exhibitions. Ticket prices range from $13–16, with some exceptions allowing for free entry. Some of the upcoming exhibitions for the year include: Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection (showcasing contemporary pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries), Shirley Gorelick: Figuring it Out (portrayals of a bold yet realist aesthetic, based off of Gorelick’s close friends), and Burnished: Pueblo Pottery at NMWA (24 different clay ollas, seed jars, and bowls from the Pueblo, in the American Southwest, aimed at placing on spotlight on the women potters). Learn more at nmwa.org.
Meanwhile, the National Women’s History Museum offers the opportunity to explore and learn from the comfort of your own home! Their fully-virtual historic education program aim to teach about women’s struggles, successes, and impacts in society. Hoping to challenge stereotypes, biases, and common tropes, the NWHM seeks to empower future generations to not only encourage equity but also to challenge status quo and blaze new, cultural trails. On the website (womenshistory.org), you’ll find teacher resources, materials for National History Day, virtual exhibits centered around critical moments and leaders in women’s history, public event notices, articles detailing the successes of women throughout our nation’s history, biographies of said women, and information on voter registration to help enable your voice. The website includes 45 different online exhibitions, with topics ranging from suffragist movements to Title XI, Coast Guard Women in WWII, Pathways to Equality, and more. For teachers, camps, and homeschoolers, the NWHM also offers virtual field trips. All the online resources are available at no cost, however there are opportunities to donate.
With a motto of “Preserve. Protect. Connect.” the Historic Annapolis Foundation has been a mainstay in the community for over 75 years. On March 14, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., the Museum of Historic Annapolis will celebrate women’s history with historic interpreters presenting the vast contributions and work of women. The loaded docket for the afternoon begins with the chance to meet camp followers from the Revolutionary War and learn from live reenactors to help better understand the importance of women during America’s war for independence. From there, you can meet a suffragist who will give you the living account of the fight for voting rights. Finally, there will be opportunities to explore the special exhibit, Annapolis: An American Story, learn more about the contributions of women to our state history, create special crafts, and read stories about inspirational women from the past to the present. Learn more about the special event and ongoing programs at annapolis.org.
Left: Cara Barton’s historic home in Glen Echo, Maryland, is a national historic site. Photograph from the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress. Right: Historic Annapolis celebrates Women’s History Month with a special event on March 14, featuring historic reenactors. Photograph courtesy Historic Annapolis.
Early photograph of Clara Barton, taken in 1865. From the Library of Congress archives.
The Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland, is a great opportunity to learn about the immense impact of a local woman who changed the trajectory of the United States. As you enter through the doors of Clara Barton’s house, you’re immediately taken back to the Civil War, reliving and learning all about this “Angel of the Battlefield.” Barton played a critical role in the medical field during her time, with the most lasting impact of all being her founding the American Red Cross in 1881. Thanks to Barton’s persistent effort, the United States also ratified the Geneva Convention in 1882, forming the basis for the global Red Cross movement.
In honor of remarkable women, like Barton, the month of March provides a symbolic opportunity to reflect upon the women that have helped to shape our nation. From historic homes to museums filled with artifacts, and even virtual opportunities, there are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month.
