Public Service

Women have always worked to strengthen their communities and this nation. Whether through government and military service or volunteer clubs and civic organizations; women have found a way to serve.

life magazine cover Read the Story Behind This Object “Farmerettes” Feed a Nation

How did women serve in uniform during World War I? Tory Altman joins Curator Margaret Vining of the National Museum of American History Museum's Division of Armed Forces History to talk about women's service in the conflict, and how their contributions helped the cause of the woman suffrage movement.

Collection Objects

Sandra Day O'Connor wears her work robes for the Supreme Court.
Collection Item
Sandra Day O'Connor
Off-white poster with black and red type. It reads Bring U.S. Together. Vote Chisholm 1972. Unbought and Unbossed. There is a black-and-white image of Shirley Chisholm sitting at a table , speaking and gesturing with her hands, wearing all white.
Collection Item
Presidential Candidate Shirley Chisholm
Blue dress made of shiny synthetic fabric with silver, red, and brown accents. Metal cones adorn the skirt. Above the left breast sits a patch that reads Never Forgotten SPC Lori Piestewa.
Collection Item
Mitchelene BigMan's Color Guard Dress
Juliette Gordon Low wears a pink, gauzy dress and she sits for a formal painted portrait.
Collection Item
Juliette Gordon Low
 Poster depicting a Red Cross nurse.
Collection Item
"Hold Up Your End!" War Fund Week Poster
Sepia photo of Mary Church Terrell seated in profile from the waist up. She is wearing a light colored beaded and fringed evening dress.
Collection Item
Mary Church Terrell

Conversation Kit

Let's Talk! Women’s Land Army of World War II Conversation Kit

Grades 6-12. Time: Variable (1-3 class periods). Aligned to C3 standards.

In this lesson students will learn about the Woman's Land Army of America during World War II and how this group of dedicated women fueled the United States's massive war effort. Students will examine the question: How can communities shape the direction of history?

Smithsonian American Women book cover.

Smithsonian American Women

Remarkable objects and stories of strength, ingenuity, and vision from the National Collection.

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