March is Women's History Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

About Women's History Month

Women's History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

Executive and Legislative Documents

The Law Library of Congress has compiled guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to Women’s History Month.

Other Dedicated Web Sites

Images Used on this Site

Part of the cowling for one of the motors for a B-25 bomber is assembled in the engine department of North American [Aviation, Inc.]'s Inglewood, Calif., plant
Part of the cowling for one of the motors for a B-25 bomber is assembled in the engine department of North American [Aviation, Inc.]'s Inglewood, Calif., plant
(Library of Congress)
https://www.loc.gov/item/2017878516/
Globe Cotton Mill, Augusta, Ga. Woman was “with child.” According to reports, these women work until the day of childbirth. Location: Augusta, Georgia.
Globe Cotton Mill, Augusta, Ga. Woman was “with child.” According to reports, these women work until the day of childbirth. Location: Augusta, Georgia.
(Library of Congress)
https://www.loc.gov/item/2018675039/
Japanese-American camp, war emergency evacuation, [Tule Lake Relocation Center, Newell, Calif.]
Japanese-American camp, war emergency evacuation, [Tule Lake Relocation Center, Newell, Calif.]
(Library of Congress)
https://www.loc.gov/item/2017878793/
[Portrait of Billie Holiday, Downbeat, New York, N.Y., ca. Feb. 1947]
[Portrait of Billie Holiday, Downbeat, New York, N.Y., ca. Feb. 1947]
(Library of Congress)
https://www.loc.gov/item/gottlieb.04251
The first picket line - College day in the picket line
The first picket line - College day in the picket line
(Library of Congress)
https://www.loc.gov/item/97500299/
Photograph of Mae Reeves and a group of women standing on stairs, Photograph by: Hall and Hall Photo Service
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.

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National Gallery of Art Library of Congress Smithsonian Institution National Archives United States Holocaust Memorial Museum National Park Service National Endowment for the Humanities