An Introduction to Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated as Women’s History Month—a month dedicated to honoring women’s contributions in US history.
It's OUR War, Too! American Women in WWII
When Americans were called to action, women “did their part” despite stereotyping and discrimination. The war spurred many women to enter the workforce for the first time, all while managing a household alone and upholding wartime duties. Women answered the call of Uncle Sam and enlisted in military auxiliary groups, fulfilling critical roles stateside and abroad. Hear accounts from real Rosie the Riveters and women near the battle fronts. Visit the Hollywood Stage Door Canteen and discover how starlets, singers and celebrities lifted the spirits of our troops. Learn about the lasting legacy of women’s contribution to the war effort.
African American Women Service and Experience
Long Overdue: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal
Lunchbox Lecture: The Struggle for Equality: The Lone Female Medal of Honor Recipient
Speaker: Laura S. Jowdy, Director of Archives, Collections & Museum, Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Of all the women who have served in the US military, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker from the Civil War remains the only female Medal of Honor Recipient. Discover her unique story and how her battles for recognition and equality continued into the 20th century.
March 1 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Billie & Ella
Banter, jokes, jazz, and blues abound when music legends Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald get together. These two iconic musicians are elegantly portrayed by New Orleans' own Kathleen Moore and Chloé Marie Johnson, respectively, and backed by the talented Victory Trio. Enjoy classic hits like “Give Me the Simple Life,” “God Bless the Child,” “Stormy Weather,” and more from music royalty!
11:45 a.m. Seating | 12:45 p.m. Showtime
Wednesday Matinee Luncheons, March 8 – June 21, 2023
Meet the Author: Lynne Olson, "Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction"
Meet the Author – Lynne Olson, Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction
Author Lynne Olson and Steph Hinnershitz, PhD, Senior Historian in the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, will discuss Olson’s just-released book about a young woman who helped the French Resistance against the occupying Nazis and then spearheaded one of the most important archaeological preservation efforts in the post-war period.
March 8 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Walt Disney Studios and World War II
Organized by The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California, The Walt Disney Studios and World War II will be on display in The National WWII Museum’s Senator John Alario, Jr. Special Exhibition Hall from March 17, 2023, through September 24, 2023.
March 17 to September 24
Reel History: Rosie
In commemoration of National Rosie the Riveter Day, join filmmakers Tessa Germaine and Taylor Whittington, along with a WWII Rosie, for a discussion about their historical film, Rosie, as a part of The National WWII Museum’s Reel History Film Series.
March 21 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance
Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance, created for and starring Anaïs St. John, was written by Denise Altobello with musical direction by Harry Mayronne.
Weekends, March 24 – April 2, 2023
Meet the Author: Luck of the Draw, "My Story of the Air War in Europe"
A conversation with Elizabeth Murphy and Chloe Melas, daughter and granddaughter of late veteran and author Frank Murphy
Women of World War II
By the end of World War II, more than 19 million women were in the workforce and 350,000 women had served in the US Armed Forces.