Be Inspired! Explore Women’s History Here in DC
March is Women’s History Month! Let it be a time to reflect on the contributions women have made to culture, community, and the arts. Living in the DC metro area gives families a unique opportunity to explore the lives of women of the past and present. Through museums, historic sites and everyday businesses, their stories of continued courage and heroism are brought to life.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the month with kids, these three destinations in DC offer engaging ways to learn about women who shaped history—through art, activism, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
About This Guide
Sarah Acors is your DMV Kid-friendly Weekend Curator! She’s a DC Native, local parent and the founder of 4DMV Kids, a family-focused platform that helps parents discover kid-friendly, educational, and culturally rich experiences across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.This piece highlights a few meaningful ways families can honor Women’s History Month, with a more detailed, event-filled family guide available through 4DMV Kids for those looking to explore additional ideas.
1. Browse Works of Art at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
One of the best places to begin your Women’s History Month exploration is the National Museum of Women in the Arts. This museum is the first in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts, highlighting the work and contributions of women artists across centuries.
Exhibitions rotate throughout the year and showcase a wide range of artistic expression—from sculptures and paintings to textiles and contemporary multimedia works. This museum also maintains an extensive online collection that allows visitors to access audio guides and artwork digitally from anywhere.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts offers free community days on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. General admission is $16 for adults and $13 for DC residents, while youth ages 21 and under visit for free, along with persons with disabilities and SNAP/EBT cardholders. March 2026
National Museum of Women in the Arts
For families, this museum provides a wonderful opportunity to spark conversations about representation in the arts while encouraging kids to think creatively about how art can be used to tell their own powerful stories.
2. Walk in Mary’s Shoes at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
Another powerful stop rooted in both Black History and Women’s History is the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site.
This historic home once served as the first headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), founded by educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune in 1935. It also served as her final residence in Washington, DC before moving to Florida.
Bethune was one of the most influential leaders and champions for both civil rights and women’s advancement. Her legacy includes:
● Founding a school for girls that later became the HBCU Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida
● Serving as a trusted advisor to four U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt
● Becoming an internationally recognized advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and human rights
Through the National Council of Negro Women, Bethune worked to unite women’s organizations across the country to advance education, voting rights, and economic opportunities for African American women while improving the quality of life for Black families nationwide.
Today, visitors can walk in her shoes through the rooms where many important conversations and events took place. Located at 1318 Vermont Avenue NW, the site is open for ranger-guided tours Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free year-round, and no entrance pass is required.
For families with older elementary-aged kids and teens, this site offers a meaningful introduction to the intersection of women’s history, civil rights, and community leadership.
3. Explore Entrepreneurship at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream offers immersive exhibits and technology that explore how individuals turned ideas into lasting impact. Throughout the museum, visitors can discover inspiring stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders whose determination helped shape their version of the American Dream.
Milken Center, Washington DC
A few exhibits families may enjoy exploring include:
● Tree of Generations - Located in the main lobby, this installation invites visitors to become part of a living tribute celebrating the people and stories that continue to shape the American Dream.
● Hologram Ambassadors - On the second level, visitors can interact with lifelike holograms of trailblazing leaders in areas such as financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, health, and education.
● America: Built on Dreams - This 20-minute film on the lower level highlights the accomplishments of several inspiring individuals, including notable women connected to the DC region such as Virginia Ali, co-owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, and Michele Kang, owner and CEO of the Washington Spirit.
The Milken Center is located steps from the White House at 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and is open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Timed exhibition tickets are free, making it an accessible stop for families exploring downtown DC.
Because many exhibits explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership journeys, the center tends to resonate especially well with middle school and high school students.
Continuing to Honor Women at Home
Women’s History Month offers families an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about leadership, creativity, and courage. Whether through art, activism, or entrepreneurship, the stories shared at these DC sites remind us that women have shaped history in extraordinary ways.
PBS KIDS offers a wealth of resources to explore prominent figures in women’s history at home including:
● Their video collection featuring full episodes and snippets of shows highlighting women and their accomplishments
● 15 Children’s Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month, which includes a diverse collection of books to add to your library list for the month
For families looking to explore Women’s History Month events and ideas across the DMV, a full family-friendly guide that is updated annually is available through the 4DMV Kids website.