Special Report

Women Who Shaped History

The Smithsonian's American Women’s History Initiative is a comprehensive undertaking that documents, researches, collects, displays and shares the rich and compelling story of women in the United States. In celebration of the AWHI, Smithsonian magazine has collected representative examples of its coverage of diverse women throughout American history.

Amelia Earhart (left) and Eleanor Roosevelt (right) National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of George R. Rinhart, in memory of Joan Rinhart

<p>The fact that Osgood’s collection survives intact—or at all—is notable and perhaps inseparable from her lifelong friendship with a famous writer.</p>

In 19th-Century New England, This Amateur Geologist Created Her Own Cabinet of Curiosities

Clara Barton Epitomized the Heroism of Nurses

Clockwise from top left: Charity Adams Earley, Harriet Tubman, Edith Nourse Rogers, Lori Piestewa and Mary E. Clarke

Five Women Veterans Who Deserve to Have Army Bases Named After Them

<p>The T-38 Talon that Jacqueline Cochran flew, pictured before its recent restoration.</p>

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

When Jackie Cochran Flew This Jet, She Broke All Kind of Barriers

<p>Attributed to Mary Way or Elizabeth Way Champlain, <em>A Lady Holding a Bouquet</em>, circa 1790–1800</p>

These Sisters' Innovative Portrait Miniatures Immortalized 19th-Century Connecticut's Elite

<p>Claudette Colvin, pictured here in 1998, recently filed a request to have her arrest record expunged.</p>

Claudette Colvin, Who Was Arrested for Refusing to Give Up Her Bus Seat in 1955, Is Fighting to Clear Her Record

At the Smithsonian

The author of a penetrating new book, documenting the multi-layered complexities of the Miss America pageant (above: 1921, Atlantic City), writes about the contest's ongoing battle to remain relevant over its century of historic highs and lows.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

How the Swimsuit Showdown Shaped the Miss America Contest

Amy Argetsinger

Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Examination of a Witch, 1853

Reckoning With—and Reclaiming—the Salem Witch Trials

Rea Ann Silva with an oversized version of the Beautyblender sponge

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Rea Ann Silva Invented the 'Beautyblender' and Changed Makeup Forever

Helina Metaferia, Crowning Care 1, 2021

Pioneering Project Explores Motherhood Through the Lens of Design

Isis Davis-Marks

They Shaped Culture

Actress and comedian Betty White, pictured here in 2015, died last week at the age of 99.

SMART NEWS ARTS & CULTURE

How Betty White Broke Barriers for Women in Television

Sarah Biffin, Sarah Biffin, watercolor

Miniature by Sarah Biffin, 19th-Century Artist Born With No Arms or Legs, Exceeds Estimates at Auction

Being the Ricardos features Nicole Kidman (left) as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem (right) as Desi Arnaz.

The True History Behind 'Being the Ricardos'

Frida Kahlo's Diego y yo (1949) sold at auction for $34.9 million on Tuesday night.

Intimate Frida Kahlo Self-Portrait Sells for $34.9 Million, Smashing Auction Records

Women in STEM

Rasha Alqahtani, an 18-year-old from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, won a third award in the behavioral and social sciences category of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair for her prototype of a video game feature to assess anxiety. In addition to her STEM research, Alqahtani is a poet and artist.

This Teenager Is Developing a Video Game That Assesses Your Mental Health

An undated photograph shows Wally Funk standing with a U.S. Air Force jet.

Trailblazing Pilot Wally Funk Will Go to Space 60 Years After Passing Her Astronaut Tests

Theresa Machemer

Ana K. Spalding and 23 other women scientists from around the world, advocate for a shift in the value system in science, to emphasize a more equal, diverse and inclusive academic culture.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Women in Science Propose Changes to Discriminatory Measures of Scientific Success

L to R: Zelia Nutall, Mary Mahoney and Bertha Parker

Looking Beyond the Female Firsts of Science History

Leila McNeill and Anna Reser

Future of Women's History

Maya Angelou, pictured here in 2008, became the first Black woman to feature on a U.S. quarter this week. The celebrated poet and author died in 2014.

Newly Minted Maya Angelou Quarters Enter Circulation and Make History

Astronaut Sally Ride (left) and poet Maya Angelou (right) will be the first individuals honored through the American Women Quarters Program.

Maya Angelou, Sally Ride to Be Among First Women Featured on U.S. Quarters

Artist Simon Berger created the portrait by strategically hammering cracks into a pane of glass.

Kamala Harris Portrait Draws Inspiration From the Glass Ceiling She Shattered

Isis Davis-Marks