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Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Smithsonian Snapshot

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, From Gospel to Electric Guitar-Driven Rock ’n’ Roll

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often called the "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll."
Rea Ann Silva with an oversized version of the Beautyblender sponge.
National Museum of American History

Rea Ann Silva: The Woman Behind Beautyblender

Silva joins a long history of women beauty entrepreneurs, including Madam C. J. Walker, Elizabeth Arden, and Estée Lauder.
Vera Rubin
Smithsonian Snapshot

Vera Rubin: Lifelong Astronomer

Rubin is best known for finding evidence of dark matter.
The front of a small card dated October 25 1809
National Museum of American History

12 Kids Who Helped a Doubting Public Accept the Smallpox Vaccine

An unassuming 3 x 5 inch card attests to a remarkable event that took place more than two hundred years ago.
women working for suffrage
Because of Her Story

Eight Women's Voting History Stories You May Not Know

Get to know women who worked in their communities to advocate for the right to vote.
Billie Holiday portrait
Smithsonian Spotlight

Billie Holiday

One of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time, Billie Holiday was renowned for making songs entirely her own.
Malone and Walker photgraphs.
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker

Pioneers of the African American beauty industry, each woman launched highly successful businesses. 
Edmund Pettus Bridge with marchers
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Edmund Pettus Bridge

On this day in 1965, voting rights marchers were attacked by the bridge in an event known as "Bloody Sunday." Television cameras captured the assault, turning the march into a national civil rights event.
three women wearing face masks
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Culture in Crisis

This series features individuals and their communities using their traditions and creativity to respond to the pandemic and other challenges.
antique fire hat
Smithsonian Spotlight

Irish American History and Heritage

For Irish American History Month, explore our related collection images, videos, and music.
Pink hat adorned with pink flowers.
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Hats Off to Mae Reeves!

Famed milliner and business pioneer Mae Reeves called her creations "showstoppers." Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Marian Anderson, and Lena Horne all donned her hats.
Woman wearing a surgical mask.
National Museum of American History

Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections

Join our curators and historians for an engaging series of panel discussions.