National Women's History Museum Needs a Home!

From Hillary Clinton's run for the Presidency, the fierce beauty and strength of gold medal winners Nastia Liukin, Natalie Coughlin, to Darra Torres’ improbable 5th Olympic bid (at 41, she is one of the oldest female Olympians at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games) it's been a historic year for women!

To the media, I'm just another mom blogger -- serious issues, like politics, aren't supposed to interest me -- still, I can't help but wonder.

Why IS IT so hard to find a home in our nation's history for these American women?!?!?

The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM), founded in 1996, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women, and integrating this rich heritage fully into our nation's history.

However, its members have been working for 11 years to secure a permanent site for the museum, which will be the first comprehensive repository for women's history.

11 years and STILL no home?

D.C. just opened a Spy Museum, they've got a Newseum (a behind the scenes look to experience how and why news is made) and there's even a National Museum of Crime and Punishment, offering visitors a crime scene experience.

Which are probably awesome -- though, most of the parents I know wouldn't necessarily want their children exposed to a crime scene, on vacation, or otherwise -- but, what if I asked you to name a famous female inventor?

Okay, how about a famous female mathematician?

Space, science?

If you are having a tough time answering these, don't worry.

[raises hand]

You are not alone!

I am, however, also ashamed to admit that my kids and I would find it easier to quote a line from a movie, television show, or song, and can quite possibly point out (and name) each drunken face, plastered on the cover of the tabloids and prominently displayed at nearly every check-out counter, damnit!

Trust me -- as a 1st generation American and mother of 4 -- I don't bust my butt, or go out of my way, to feel so gosh-darned ignorant!

But, my 3 daughters (and The Boy) don't have to.

We, as parents, need more positive influences and a museum would definitely help raise awareness of the important part in which women have played in our American history!

So, I am joining the Right Here, Right Now campaign to tell Congress to recognize this historic year by passing HR 6548:

NWHM has identified a vacant lot adjacent to the National Mall and now needs Congress to authorize their purchase of this federal property at fair-market value. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) introduced House Resolution 6548 on July 17, 2008 to approve the purchase of land. Now, your local Representative needs to hear from you so that this legislation will pass before Congress adjourns for the year.

How can you help?

Click here to send a letter or email to your Representative (I did, it's easy) and then check out the Right Here, Right Now badges at http://www.nwhm.org/rightnow/righthererightnow.html to show support for the campaign.

Why?

Because, they're pretty and I know, that they know, even us mommy bloggers know a good thing when they see it ;o)

© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

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Comments

[T With Honey]

Actually I'd much rather see these exhibits get integrated into their rightful place within the other museums. I don't like it when we have to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of 'women'. It only serves to make the difference more profound, to stick out more that women can't be part of the science or military or law community.

Aren't their achievements good enough to be part of those exhibits?

If I were to do something amazing in my career I want to be featured in the Computer History Collection not the Women's History Museum.

However, being realistic, I'd love to see this museum built so at least these women's exhibits will be seen.

[Liz@thisfullhouse]

T with Honey:

You saidL

"If I were to do something amazing in my career I want to be featured in the Computer History Collection not the Women's History Museum."

You have a terrific point, here - thanks you.

However, insects can have a museum...women should, too!

[Bluegrass Mama]

Forget Washington. Put it in Seneca Falls, NY with the National Women's Hall of Fame.

[Liz@thisfullhouse]

Yeah -- if D.C. doesn't want it -- what Bluegrass Mama said.

Here's the link:

National Women's Hall of Fame

(http://www.greatwomen.org/home.php)