Women's History Month is winding down, but there's always time to learn more about the role of women in our nation's narrative. In her first contribution to Hypercube, Ross Librarian Dale Scott recommends visiting the Smithsonian Institution's "Because of Her Story" website (see below). For more interesting links, articles, and book recommendations, Ross community members can visit ross.org/library!
BECAUSE OF HER STORY
Launched in 2018, this project by the Smithsonian's American Women's History Initiative aims to "amplify women's voices to honor the past, inform the present, and inspire the future." Visitors to "Because of Her Story" can view a number of brief stories highlighting a diverse group of women and their contributions, including artists like Maya Lin and Mary Cassatt, scientists such as Vera Rubin and Sylvia Earle, and leaders like Wilma Mankiller of the Cherokee Nation and suffragist Mary Church Terrell. Under collections, the project features a variety of items from the Smithsonian's museums, archives, and learning lab that "tell the stories of American women, the challenges they faced and how they have shaped our nation." This section also includes links to the items' digital locations for further exploration. The project extends beyond the website, and the news section shares updates on relevant exhibitions and other developments within the initiative. Those who are or will be near any of the Smithsonian's venues should check out the events listings describing numerous tours, talks, and exhibits, many of which are free. The American Women's History Initiative is "inclusive of all persons who identify as female or have a history of being designated female but identify differently."