National Museum of African American History and Culture Celebrates Women’s History Month Honoring Black Women

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring Black women who spearheaded the fight for justice, equality and change. The museum will recognize “Black Women: The Activist” as the theme for March and share stories, events and exhibits that demonstrate the resiliency of Black women. For more information, visit the museum’s website.

March Events

Preservation Workshop: Create an Heirloom Quilt
Thursday–Friday, March 13–14; 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Second-floor classrooms
Participants can join hands-on quilting workshop led by quilt artist Kimberley Pierce Cartwright. The workshop is inspired by the museum’s newest exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake,” and will feature a brief highlight tour led by the designers and archaeologists behind the exhibition. Attendees can reflect on the resilience of African American ancestors while engaging in the joyful act of creating quilts. The cost is $50. Register online; space is limited.

Preservation Workshop: Create An African Crazy Quilt
Wednesday, March 19–Friday, March 21; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Second-floor classrooms
Participants can be a part of an exciting and inspiring three-day quilting workshop that honors the rich tradition of crazy quilting with an Afrocentric flair. Guided by the talented quilter artist Torreah “Cookie” Washington, this class provides a unique chance for intermediate to advanced quilters to bond with other enthusiasts, honor National Quilting Month and celebrate the launch of the museum’s latest exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake.” Participants are required to bring their sewing machine with zig-zag stitching capabilities. A complete materials list and further classroom instructions will be given upon registration. The cost is $150. Register online; space is limited.

Community Day—Black Women: A Force for Change 
Saturday, March 22; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 
Heritage Hall and “The Explore More!” Gallery
Visitors can engage in multiple experiences inspired by women like Mary McLeod Bethune, who founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. “The Explore More!” Gallery on L2 will feature art activations inspired by flowers connected to Bethune and Sybrina Fulton. On the Concourse Level, the Sweet Home Café will offer sweet potato pie for purchase, inspired by the pies Bethune used to bake and sell for fundraising for her school for Black girls, Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. This event is free, but registration is required.

Connecting Our Past and Present With Thread: Angela Davis
Sunday, March 23; 1 p.m.–3 p.m. ET
Online
Participants can join a creative virtual embroidery workshop to honor Angela Davis’ legacy in honor of Women’s History Month. The event will celebrate her activism and persistent fight for justice with needle and thread. No experience is necessary; all that is required is a desire to create, connect and recognize Black women’s activism power. Visitors will receive all supplies in advance, including a hoop, needle, thread, fabric and a custom pattern inspired by Davis. This workshop will be led by Nichole Sorhaindo, creator and founder of The Other Cat blog and shop. Registration is required; cost is $20.

At the Sweet Home Café

Women’s History Month Chef’s Tables 
March 8, 15, 22, 28 and 29; noon–3 p.m.
Sweet Home Café
Women’s History Month at the Sweet Home Café features a curated menu inspired by influential women. Award-winning chefs will share their personal stories by creating unique dishes and desserts that reflect their heritage, influences and identities. In addition, from March 1–6, the café will honor Ethiopian cuisine with a special station created by cook Kassech Menkir. More details are available on the Sweet Home Café’s webpage. Timed-entry passes are required to enter the museum.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed 11 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum has also launched and is continually expanding its reach with the Searchable Museum portal and other efforts to bring African American history into the world’s hands and homes. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on X, Facebook and Instagram or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.

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