National Archives Hosts Program Exploring “The Glass Ceiling: Broken or Cracked?
Press Release · Monday, February 27, 2017

Washington, DC

Washington, DC. . . On Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m., the National Archives presents a special program in honor of Women’s History Month titled:  “The Glass Ceiling, Broken or Cracked?”  This event will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater and on YouTube.  It is free and open to the public.  Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.  Reservations are recommended and can be made online.  

When a major political party nominated the first woman for the American Presidency, was the proverbial glass ceiling broken or just cracked? A bipartisan group of former congresswomen will discuss their paths to public service, the challenges they faced, and what obstacles they still need to overcome. Moderated by journalist, Rebecca Berg, panelists include former members of Congress Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Lynn Schenk (D-CA), Barbara Kennelly (D-CT); and Margaux Matter, Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY). Presented in partnership with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.

Related Featured Document Exhibit

Jeannette Rankin: 100th Anniversary of the First Congresswoman
East Rotunda Gallery, through March 29, 2017

Four years before all American women were granted the right to vote by the 19th amendment, Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress. She was sworn in on April 2, 1917. On display will be Congresswoman Rankin's credentials certifying that she was duly elected as Representative-at-large for Montana on November 7, 1916. Upon learning of her landmark election, Rankin foretold, “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.” Over the past 100 years, more than 300 women have been elected or appointed to the U.S. Congress.  Read the “Pieces of History” Blog Jeannette Rankin: The woman who voted to give women the right to vote.

The National Archives Museum’s “Featured Document” exhibit is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Ford Motor Company Fund.

Related Online Resources on Women’s Rights and Women’s History Month

The Archives holds a wealth of material documenting Women’s history, and highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.  Detailed information and links to records, images and special events online.  

Related Exhibit Features Section on Equal Rights for Women
The National Archives’ “Records of Rights” permanent exhibition uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents and how they have debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. A special section of this exhibit, “Remembering the Ladies,” showcases the drive for women’s suffrage.

Related New Exhibit: Amending America

Only 27 times—out of more than 11,000 proposals—have Americans reached consensus to amend the Constitution. This new exhibit reveals the stories behind why some proposed amendments successfully became part of the Constitution, while others failed to gain enough support. This exhibit includes a special section on the Equal Rights Amendment.  Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, through September 4, 2017.