The Smithsonian‘s new American women’s history museum has received more than $55 million in donations to boost its development.
The upcoming Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum has received funds from donors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Target Corporation and Bank of America.
“We are so grateful to begin Women’s History Month with the support of such a stellar group of donors who are dedicated to bringing the story of the American woman to light,” said Lisa Sasaki, the museum’s interim director.
“Together, we will create a museum that celebrates the women who have helped build this country. These donations are pivotal in the realization of this vision.”
Museum to celebrate American women
The new museum, which was authorised by Congress in December 2020, will honour American women’s accomplishments and history.
Since then, the museum has launched online and offers in-person events through the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.
“The stories we tell about our country’s history so often overlook the contributions of the women in every generation whose efforts and ideas helped make us who we are today,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures.
“By paying tribute to the women who shaped our past, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum empowers and inspires the ones who will shape our future.”
“We are innovators, educators, politicians”
The $55m will go towards the initial planning of the museum’s building and the production of its digital content.
“In most US history textbooks, women are described as playing supporting roles to men,” said Penny Pritzker, the founder and chairman of PSP Partners and former US secretary of commerce.
“But we all know that women are not side notes in American history. We are innovators, educators, politicians and more.”
“As chair of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum’s advisory council, I am proud of what this museum will add to the national conversation by recognizing women whose stories have gone unheard for far too long.”
Images: Smithsonian
