Exhibits : Permanent Collection : Women in History

DISCOVERING THE PAST
The stories we tell ourselves, the people we hold in high esteem, the moments that mark time and change...this is our history. The vision we construct of the past tells us as much about who we are today as it does about days gone by. Women have been vital contributors to the big picture of American history, weaving their influence on social and cultural life, the world of business and politics, and our national identity.

Finding Our Voices, Finding Our History
This area offers visitors an opportunity to meet news anchor Connie Chung, former Texas Governor Ann Richards, Emmy award-winning songstress Gladys Knight and actress Maria Conchita Alonzo. Each mentor shares her thoughts on the importance of women's roles in history and the connections we share in the present with the women of the past.

"Women - we have to share things. So I can lean on you and you can lean on me and say, 'How'd you do that?' Well, this is how we did it." Gladys Knight

Time Capsule 1900 - 2000
Time capsules let generations communicate with each other across the span of time. Through objects of daily life, we see how women lived and what they valued most in 1900 and 2000. In an effort to include voices from around the country, a survey was conducted to see what Americans thought would be important objects to include in a women’s time capsule. Using the assembled ideas, curators found items that compare and contrast what women of today hold important with objects used by the women of 1900.

Milestones in Women's History
Milestones mark significant moments of change when women, working together and with the help of progressive men, broke down the barriers that held them back and forged a brave new path to the rights and opportunities enjoyed today. From a clash of civilizations to bilingual education, going west to going to space, women have significantly contributed to the development of America.

Unforgettable Women
Sponsored by AT&T
Unforgettable Women pays tribute to women who have made a distinctive mark on American social, political and cultural history. Thirteen exhibit cases profile 39 different women on a rotating basis. The individual women are grouped under headings that will enable visitors to understand the meaning of each woman's contribution.

Icons of Womanhood
Sponsored by Microsoft
For centuries, writers, scientists, artists, advertisers, and toy makers have sought to capture the essence of femininity in words and images. But, for every celebration of woman as the site of wonder, inspiration, and pure virtue, there have been depictions of women as a source of suspicion, fear, or secret power. Through generations, real women have sought to find themselves or fight against these idealized or caricatured images of what women should or could be. Icons of Womanhood displays hundreds of pop culture images and artifacts as way of gaining perspective on the public view of women.

Generations of Women
Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Foundation
Who are we? We are each the sum total of our experiences, plus the lessons and stories given to us over the years by our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and friends. The video theater presents a montage of conversations between women of different generations and ethnic backgrounds comparing and contrasting their life stories.

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