skip to main content

Women’s History Museum Bill Passes House

On October 14, the House passed, by voice vote, the National Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 1700). The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee cleared the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), on September 24 (see The Source, 9/25/09).

According to the committee report, the bill would “convey a parcel of real property in the District of Columbia…for the purpose of establishing a museum dedicated to women’s history.”

Speaking in support of the bill, Rep. Maloney said, “This is a very important day for women’s history. Today, we are recognizing the immense contributions women have made to our nation by voting to help create the National Women’s History Museum…There are 211 statues in the Capitol building, each honoring a leader from our nation’s history, but only 11 of these statutes are of female leaders. Of America’s 2,004 historic landmarks, fewer than five chronicle the achievements of women. Even more troubling, a recent study revealed that only one of every 10 people identified in the 18 most commonly used U.S. history textbooks is female. The museums and memorials in Washington are one measure of what our society values. We already have museums for stamps and for spies, but not one dedicated to women. This bill would honor our nation’s foremothers and inspire future generations of women leaders by providing a space on the National Mall to honor women’s contributions to American history.”

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said, “Mr. Speaker, this is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse and important historic contributions of women and integrating this rich heritage fully into our nation’s history in a place where everyone will be able to see, everyone will be able to visit right here in the heart of the nation’s capital. Again, H.R. 1700 is intended to help pave the way for a women’s museum in the nation’s capital dedicated to recognizing the significant contributions of women throughout our wonderful and rich history. And, despite the significant contributions of women throughout the history of our country, frankly, women continue to be underrepresented in exhibits featured in our museums. The stories and contributions of women are critical to understanding our history as a nation. And this is one way, just one way,that we can ensure that this history is passed along to our sons and to our daughters.”