The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is ushering in a momentous Women’s History Month in 2024 with a lineup of groundbreaking initiatives that embody its mission to bring women’s history into the limelight.
This content originally appeared in a news release on the Smithsonian website, “Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Celebrates Women’s History Month 2024 With Inaugural Digital Exhibition and New Initiatives.“
A pivotal facet of this celebration is the launch of the “Becoming Visible” digital exhibition on March 8, International Women’s Day. This immersive experience, crafted by the woman-led digital design firm Forum One, will take viewers on a 10-minute journey through the lives of five extraordinary women. From Elizabeth Keckly’s triumph over slavery to Margaret Knight’s revolutionary invention of automated paper bag production, the exhibition narrates stories that are often overlooked in traditional historical records.
Recognizing the challenge of women’s underrepresentation, the museum is hosting a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon on March 27. With less than 20% of biographies on English-language Wikipedia dedicated to women, this event aims to bridge the gap by editing and creating articles about women featured in “Becoming Visible.” This collaborative effort is an essential step toward a more inclusive historical record.
As part of the celebration, the museum is launching the Spotlight Program on March 18, inviting emerging filmmakers from diverse communities to create short videos documenting the untold stories of women and girls. This initiative marks the beginning of a series of co-creation projects, engaging artists from various backgrounds to collaborate with the museum in narrating women’s stories.
For those eager to be part of the museum’s journey, the Charter Membership Program, starting on March 1, offers the public an opportunity to become early supporters of the museum’s mission. Charter Members will gain exclusive access to events and programs, staying informed about the museum’s progress.
As the museum gears up for a momentous Women’s History Month, it beckons individuals from all backgrounds to join in the collaborative effort. Melanie Adams, the interim director of the museum, encourages everyone to engage with the evolving digital platforms, contribute to ongoing research, and become a part of the Smithsonian community’s mission to bring women’s history to the forefront.
Please head over to the museum’s website to learn more about the Charter Membership Program and Digital Exhibition.
This content originally appeared in a news release on the Smithsonian website, “Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Celebrates Women’s History Month 2024 With Inaugural Digital Exhibition and New Initiatives.“
