Smithsonian American Women: Remarkable Objects and Stories of Strength Ingenuity and Vision from the National Collection

About this book

An inspiring and surprising celebration of U.S. womens history told through Smithsonian artifacts illustrating womens participation in science art music sports fashion business religion entertainment military politics activism and more. This book offers a unique panoramic look at womens history in the United States through the lens of ordinary objects from by and for extraordinary women. Featuring more than 280 artifacts from 16 Smithsonian museums and archives and more than 135 essays from 95 Smithsonian authors this book tells womens history as only the Smithsonian can. Featured objects range from fine art to computer code from First Ladies memorabilia to Black Lives Matter placards and from Hopi pottery to a couch from the Oprah Winfrey show. There are familiar objects--such as the suffrage wagon used to advocate passage of the 19th Amendment and the Pussy Hat from the 2016 Womens March in DC--as well as lesser known pieces revealing untold stories. Portraits photographs paintings political materials signs musical instruments sports equipment clothes letters ads personal posessions and other objects reveal the incredible stories of such amazing women as Phillis Wheatley Julia Child Sojourner Truth Mary Cassatt Madam C. J. Walker Amelia Earhart Eleanor Roosevelt Mamie Till Mobley Dolores Clara Fernndez Huerta Phyllis Diller Celia Cruz Sandra Day OConnor Billie Jean King Sylvia Rivera and so many more. Together with illuminating text these objects elevate the importance of American women in the home workplace government and beyond. Published to commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote Smithsonian American Women is a deeply satisfying read and a must-have reflection on how generations of women have defined what it means to be recognized in both the nation and the world.