WID -

September 2004

To Women's Museum Exhibit
Contributed by Becky L. Schergens

With the help of Women In Defense, the National Women's History Museum (NWHM) has opened its newest exhibition, “Partners in Winning the War–American Women in World War II.”

The opening ceremony coincided with the dedication of the World War II Memorial. It featured Gale A. Norton, secretary of the Interior Department, as keynote speaker.

The exhibition, which honors American women's efforts during World War II, offers a unique perspective about the often overlooked roles of women in government, community, industry, production, research, and the home. The exhibition is located at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial (The Women's Memorial) at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery.

WID received special recognition for its role in the development of the exhibition, which included advisory, content, and financial contributions. Norma J. Byron, former WID president, facilitated the use of photographs of women ordnance workers from the files of Picatinny Arsenal and Olin Corporation. WID's association with NWHM began during Byron's second term as WID president. WID member Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret.), is chairman of the Women's Memorial Foundation, as well as a museum board member. She was responsible for hosting the exhibition at the Women's Memorial. Although the museum does not yet have a permanent home, it continues to mount exhibitions and hold events while working to secure a permanent site near the National Mall. For current information about the National Women's History Museum, please log on to its website www.nwhm.org.

Top of page

Archives