American women have been researching and applying science since the earliest times. American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians hold detailed Traditional Ecological Knowledge (also known as TEK). Such knowledge of plants, animals and the natural world is the foundation for a holistic world view and technologies of fishing, gathering, hunting, agriculture, building, manufacturing and plant and animal management.
Women have also pioneered fields such as aviation and astronomy. Women like Maria Mitchell (the first woman astronomer) and Vera Rubin the first person to discover dark matter) revolutionized the way society understands the universe. Other figures, like Sergeant Amelia Jones and Amelia Earhart, broke barriers by becoming the first in their fields. The places where these women lived, worked, and researched are important in the larger story of American history.
Explore the places associated with NASA's African American women human computers.
Discover some of the places associated with women in aviation.
Last updated: March 11, 2021