ABOUT THE CLIENT
The Smithsonian Institution launched the American Women’s History Initiative—Because of Her Story—in 2018. The initiative is one of the country’s most ambitious undertakings to research, collect, document, display, and share the compelling story of women. It is inclusive, highlighting the stories of those who identify as women and those who were designated female but self-identify differently.
With a digital-first mission and focus, the initiative uses technology to amplify a diversity of women’s voices—not in one gallery or museum, but throughout the Smithsonian’s many museums, research centers, cultural heritage affiliates, and wherever people are online—reaching millions of people in Washington, D.C., across the nation, and around the world.
– Smithsonian Institution
THE PROJECT
This collection of a booklet (in English and Spanish), foldout poster, detachable bookmark, and templates for educators to make their own Smithsonian Learning Lab presentations are all meant to educate and engage Washington D.C. and Los Angeles school children about important women figures in American History. As Smithsonian prepares for the future Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, projects like this one inform and inspire younger generations to make their own history as well as accurately tell the stories of those that paved the way in the past. 37,000+ copies were made of these booklets and posters, full of hands-on activities, critical thinking exercises, and Smithsonian museum items and photos to help these women's stories and accomplishments live on.
In the era of remote learning during the pandemic, the Smithsonian Learning Lab became an important tool to educators. The Lab is a free, interactive platform for discovering millions of authentic digital resources, creating content with online tools, and sharing in the Smithsonian's expansive community of knowledge and learning. A template was made from these project items for users to create their own American women's history presentations. An example here.
These pieces were on my mood board because of their blend of vintage/historical styles. With some fun bright colors, sketches, and a scrapbook feel I wanted to spark creativity and bravery when students mark up and draw in the book.
