Founded in 1791, Washington, DC has a long and rich history. Most notable for its monuments, memorials, and museums, the capital city was shaped by presidents, politicians, philanthropists, architects, soldiers, and more. As a result, the history of region is overwhelmingly associated with white men of privilege. But like the rest of the country, the history of DC is diverse and multifaceted.
Women of all different backgrounds also contributed to the social, political, and cultural vibrancy of the city. This Trip Idea explores some of the ways women acted as preservationists, service members, educators, and activists to shape the history of the capital and the country as a whole.
Spend a day exploring the historic sites of Washington, DC relating to women’s history. Some “must see” sites include the Belmont Paul Women’s Equality National Monument and the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. This Trip Idea will also introduce you to historic places that may not intuitively seem connected to women’s history. Learn about the suffrage movement, the sacrifice women made during war time, and how women influenced the preservation of historic sites the metropolitan area.
The content for this Trip Idea was researched and written by Dr. Katherine Crawford-Lackey.
