Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Presents Oral History Project “We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence”

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum launched “We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence” today, Oct. 28. Through the lens of economic power, this multi-year oral history and education project explores when, how and why women have sought independence in their own lives over the past 50 years. Timed with the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which made it illegal for banks to discriminate against women applying for loans based on their sex or marital status, the first series of oral histories commemorate this important historical milestone for women and their economic independence.

“We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence” will unfold over the next 18 months to feature several dozen oral histories and community stories of women from across the country, accompanied by national partnerships, public programming, educational resources and an online interactive experience. The project will culminate in the summer of 2026 to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the country’s 250th anniversary—or semiquincentennial. 

“With the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, we are proud to enhance the historical record by hearing directly from women about their varied experiences with independence and economic empowerment and to share their stories with a wider audience,” said Elizabeth C. Babcock, director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. “As we look forward to establishing our future home on the National Mall, we aim to inspire conversations that connect past achievements with future possibilities by listening to diverse women’s voices across generations.”

The first four oral histories, conducted by project curator Rachel Seidman, offer a glimpse into the history of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the phenomenon of women’s banks that flourished in the decade after its passage and how access to credit was fundamental to women’s empowerment in the 1970s and beyond. Interviewees include Emily Card, a former legislative fellow who helped write the Act; Rosemary Reed, who founded a company with support from a women’s bank; Stephanie Lipscomb, who worked at the Adams National Bank (formerly the First Women’s National Bank), one of the earliest and most successful American women’s banks in the 1970s; and Jeanne Delaney Hubbard, who served as CEO of the Adams National Bank from 2005–2008.

To supplement the launch of “We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence,” the museum will host a Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon in partnership with the Wikimedia Foundation to make women’s history more accessible as less than 20% of biographies currently in English-language Wikipedia are about women. New and existing editors can edit and create Wikipedia articles about women who ensured the success of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and about leaders in the banking industry who expanded financial services for women. More information is available at the event registration link.

About the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum 

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum expands the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively—to better understand our past and inspire our future. Through new scholarship, diverse viewpoints and innovative exhibitions, programming and participation, the museum inspires the next generation to create a more equitable world. Connect with the museum at womenshistory.si.edu.

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