A bill that passed the House of Representatives earlier this week stipulates creating a women’s history museum in the District as part of the Smithsonian Institution. And it is likely to be built on the National Mall.
“The board shall designate a site for the museum, with priority given to a site that is on or near the National Mall,” according to the bill, which references the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
The board is also tasked with naming the comprehensive women’s history museum.
In addition, the bill calls for establishing a council that will make recommendations to the board on the planning, design, and construction of the museum.
The purpose of the museum is stated as “the collection, study, and establishment of programs relating to women’s contributions to various fields and throughout different periods of history that have influenced the direction of the United States.”
House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney has been working since 1998 to get a decision for founding a women’s history museum along the National Mall.
“For too long, women’s history has been left out of the telling of our nation’s history. Today, the House of Representatives took an important first step to change that,” the bill’s co-sponsors — Rep. Maloney, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Brenda Lawrence and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton — said in a joint statement.
“Women are part of every American moment, and their contributions should be recognized and celebrated,” the statement added. “By creating a Smithsonian museum dedicated to telling American women’s history, we can inspire future generations to make history themselves. Representation matters. Let’s make sure that every child can see themselves in their heroes and role models.”
The bill will now make its way to the Senate.