To kick off Women’s History month, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum has announced gifts totaling $55 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Alice L. Walton Foundation, Acton Family Giving, Target Corporation, Bank of America, and Tory Burch. 

Founding donors of the museum have each given at least $1 million towards its planning and development. The museum, for which Congress passed legislation in December 2020 to establish, will honor American women’s accomplishments, the history they have made, and the communities they represent. The museum has launched online and includes in-person events through the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.

“In most U.S. history textbooks, women are described as playing supporting roles to men,” said Penny Pritzker, founder and chairman of PSP Partners and former U.S. secretary of commerce. “But we all know that women are not side notes in American history. We are innovators, educators, politicians and more. As chair of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum’s advisory council, I am proud of what this museum will add to the national conversation by recognizing women whose stories have gone unheard for far too long.”

“We are so grateful to begin Women’s History Month with the support of such a stellar group of donors who are dedicated to bringing the story of the American woman to light,” said Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum interim director Lisa Sasaki. “Together, we will create a museum that celebrates the women who have helped build this country. These donations are pivotal in the realization of this vision.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/George Marks)