Part II of “Women on Stamps” Online Exhibit Features Courageous Women
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum presents the new online exhibit “Women on Stamps: Part II” on its award-winning Web site, Arago at www.postalmuseum.si.edu/ARAGOWomenPartTwo.
In celebration of women who have helped shaped the role of females in America, the museum is continuing its online display of stamps. “Women on Stamps: Part II” is the second in a series of four online exhibits that highlight the accomplishments of American women. Specifically, the collection features women who are pioneers in health, science, education, philanthropy, aviation and athletics. These women exemplify the characteristics of courage, fortitude, and persistence that aided them in gaining acceptance and recognition in male-dominated fields during times when they were considered inferior. Though faced with challenges, many of these women accomplished “firsts” in their chosen careers—from Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor, to Blanche Scott, the first female to fly solo. Other women, such as Clara Barton and Jane Addams, responded to the needs of others and founded organizations to improve the lives of underserved and subordinate populations.
Arago is dedicated to the online presentation of the museum’s vast collections and contains high-resolution images and associated stories presented by curators, expert volunteer researchers, museum staff and guest writers. Since the image of a woman first appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 1893, the U.S. Postal Service has represented female politicians, social activists, educators, artists, business women and performers on more than 200 stamps.
The National Postal Museum is devoted to presenting the colorful and engaging history of the nation’s mail service and showcasing one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of stamps and philatelic material in the world. It is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., Washington, D.C., across from Union Station. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). For more information about the Smithsonian, please call (202) 633-1000 or TTY (202) 633-5285. Visit the museum Web site at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.
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