Women's History Month 2024 Press Kit
National Archives Celebrates Women’s History Month
The National Archives celebrates Women’s History Month, recognizing the great contributions that women have made to our nation. Learn about the history of women in the United States by exploring their stories through letters, photographs, film, and other primary sources.
"Women's History Month serves as a powerful reminder that the narrative of our nation is incomplete without acknowledging and honoring the contributions of women in shaping our past, present, and future. From pioneers who defied norms to trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings, women have played pivotal roles in every facet of our society. As the Archivist of the United States, I am committed to ensuring that the stories of women, often overlooked or underrepresented, are safeguarded within the rich tapestry of our national archives. It is important that we recognize and amplify these voices, weaving them into the fabric of our shared history."
Are you a member of the media who would like to interview a National Archives subject matter expert on records related to women’s history? For media inquiries, please contact the National Archives Public and Media Communications at (202) 357-5300 or via email at public.affairs@nara.gov.
Jenny Sweeney, the National Archives subject matter expert on records related to women's history, has 16 years with the National Archives in Fort Worth, Texas. She has worked in educational programs and as an archivist and holds a master's degree in history with an emphasis in archival administration. A majority of her graduate work was based on research into women's history. Sweeney is available to talk to the media about the unique records held at the National Archives that document the many contributions women have made throughout U.S. history.
Hi! I’m Jenny McMillen Sweeney, an archivist at the National Archives, coming to you from our facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
I am the subject matter expert on records related to women’s history at the National Archives, and I’m here today to welcome you to our celebration of Women’s History Month.
Each year, the National Archives commemorates Women’s History Month by recognizing the significant contributions women have made to our nation. We are especially excited to celebrate this year, under the leadership of Dr. Colleen Shogan, the first woman to hold the position of Archivist of the United States permanently. The National Archives holds a wealth of records and information documenting women’s history in the United States, including photographs, documents, audiovisual recordings, and other primary sources. I’d like to share some records with you that highlight the stories of a few famous and not so famous women! And I encourage you to explore the National Archives Catalog to learn more about these and other records related to women’s history at the National Archives.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Letter from Annie Davis to President Abraham Lincoln, August 25, 1864. View in the National Archives Catalog.
Order Committing Susan B. Anthony to Albany County Jail. View in the National Archives Catalog.
"Good Work Sister. America's Women Have Met The Test." View in the National Archives Catalog.
Additional posters:
Related National Archives Programs
(All programs are livestreamed with video available after the program)
- Remember the First Ladies - Monday, March 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET
- Earning Their Wings: The WASPs of World War II and the Fight for Veteran Recognition - Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET
- Bringing Home the White House: The Hidden History of the Women who Shaped the Presidency in the 20th Century - Monday, March 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. CT
- The National Archives Comes Alive! Young Learners Program: Meet Eleanor Roosevelt - Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET
Additional Resources
- National Archives Museum - Francis Perkins
- National Archives Women's News Page
- National Archives Women's History Page
- Woman's History Government Page
- Historic Films on Women's Rights
Related Online Exhibits from the National Archives
- View documents and photographs featured in Rightfully Hers on Google Arts and Culture - Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment by looking beyond suffrage parades and protests to the often overlooked story behind this landmark moment in American history.
- The Keynote Speaker: An Exhibition of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
- Sandra Day O'Connor: Behind the Scenes of Confirming the First Woman to the United States Supreme Court
- The War Womanpower Commission
- The U.S. Food Administration, Women, and the Great War: The Pennsylvania Food Conservation Train
Educational Resources
- DocsTeach: Find primary sources and activities for teaching about women's rights
- Women’s Rights: Legislation and Advocacy - Since the founding of our country, women have redefined their roles and carved out a place for themselves in society and government. From the decades-long campaign for voting rights to expanding social and economic equality through legislation, women and women’s rights advocates have worked to obtain the rights and privileges of citizenship promised to women today.