Discover Her Story

The Smithsonian launched the American Women’s History Initiative—Because Of Her Story—in 2018. The initiative is an ambitious undertaking to research, collect, document, display and share the compelling story of women. It is inclusive, highlighting the stories of those who identify as women and those who were designated female but self-identify differently.

Smithsonian Affiliations, in collaboration with the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative (AWHI), will be amplifying these voices throughout 2020. On this page, through The Affiliate eNewsletter (powered by Constant Contact), and at the 2020 Affiliations National Conference, Smithsonian Affiliations will be connecting its Affiliates with Smithsonian resources that help share the accomplishments of American women both locally and nationally.

Smithsonian Affiliations is offering a funding opportunity for Affiliates in support of the Initiative’s new book, Smithsonian American Women. Ninety-five authors from around the Institution contributed to the book. Many of them are ready to travel to Affiliates to speak on a number of topics, such as:

• Women’s contributions to fine arts, design, music and the performing arts
• Women in sports
• African American women’s history
• Women’s contributions to textiles and craft
• Women in air and space
• Latinx history
• LBGTQ+ history and collecting
• Women in military history
• Women’s history in the sphere of the everyday – food, business, education, gardens, immigration
• Women in politics

To apply for funding, please complete this application by Friday, April 10, 2020. Please review and compile all the necessary material before beginning to apply. You cannot save and return to the form.If you have questions, please contact us.