Collections

The Smithsonian’s collections include iconic objects that tell the stories of American women, their struggles, and their accomplishments. Explore collection highlights and stories related to women and girls, or search our digital records.

Queen Lili‘uokalani poses for a royal portrait. She wears a sash.
learn more about Queen Liliʻuokalani
Collection Item
Draped sumptuous pink fabric frames rows of black-and-white photos and an arrangement of found objects including a fan, bracelets, painted fruit, dried flowers, and lace, all set in a niche.
learn more about A Latina Star and Hollywood Success
Black ice skating costume with embellishment, worn by Kristi Yamaguchi
learn more about Kristi Yamaguchi's Ice Skating Costume
Betsey’s sampler includes three distinguishing features of Rhode Island samplers; trumpeting angels with embroidered faces, queen stitch flowers, and a three-story house.
learn more about Betsy Bucklin's Sampler
Wedding dress with high collar, a jacket with long sleeves, and many ruffles.
learn more about Susette La Flesche's Wedding Dress
An African American woman looks out of frame. Next to her the title of the play is written in cursive rainbow letters: for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf
learn more about for colored girls Playbill Art, 1977
Madame Lillian Evanti wears a fur stole, pearls, and a flower in her carefully prepared hair.
learn more about Madame Lillian Evanti
Collection Item
Painting of Henrietta Lacks standing against a background with a repeating geometric Flower of Life motif. She wears a hat and pearls and she holds a Bible.
learn more about Henrietta Lacks (HeLa): The Mother of Modern Medicine
Wooden hatchet featuring art of the turtle, bluebird, rooster, and swallow.
learn more about Women’s Christian Temperance Union Hatchet