Women's History Month

Every March during Women's History Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners commemorate the role of women in American history. Visit any of the more than 400 national parks across the country or join a ranger program to learn more or reflect on women's contributions of past and present. Following the centennial of the 19th Amendment in August 2020, we are exploring stories of women of all cultural backgrounds and traditions who have engaged in civic life throughout American history and earlier, as well as leaders, trailblazers, and pioneers in stewardship of public lands today.

Inspired by something you've learned or found a bit of family history in a national park? Share your experiences on social media using #FindYourPark or #EncuentraTuParque.

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Featured Stories

National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation (NPF), an official partner of the National Park Service, continues to explore women’s history remembered and represented in national parks and how the current generation of women leaders are connecting people to their public lands.

Spotlight on the 19th Amendment Centennial

August 26, 2020, marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the US Constitution that gave women the legal right to vote but did not always protect every woman's right to vote in practice. In commemoration of the centennial, we are exploring the complex history involving Americans of all backgrounds fighting for and against women voting. Read stories about people's roles in the suffrage movement and beyond as the struggle for civil rights and to open more doors in civic engagement continued.

A Continuing Tradition of Service

Women have played an important role in the preservation and stewardship of many places that are now national parks since before the creation of the National Park Service. Today a tradition of service and leadership continues with employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many National Park Service career fields, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Featured Parks and Places

Stories of women involved in civic engagement can be found in every national park in both the past and present as women continue to play an important role in the management of public lands. Other places where women made history are preserved in local communities through National Park Service programs and partnerships. Here are a few parks and places that were created or recognized specifically to honor women actively involved in civic life.

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  Travel Where Women Made History

  Explore places and discover the accomplishments of many American women making a difference in communities throughout history.

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  Belmont-Paul Women's Equality NM

  From a residence across the street from the US Capitol, a national suffragist group pushed for the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

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  Clara Barton NHS

  After providing support for the military during the Civil War, Barton founded the American Red Cross to improve national emergency response.

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  Eleanor Roosevelt NHS

  A tireless advocate for human rights, Eleanor Roosevelt demanded equality both as a first lady and later with the United Nations.

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  Harriet Tubman NHP

  The famed Underground Railroad conductor spent her life advocating for civil rights for African Americans, women, and the disabled.

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  Maggie L. Walker NHS

  As a prominent business woman, Maggie Walker advanced civic rights, education, and business opportunities in the African American community.

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  Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS

  Bethune's impressive resume included being a diplomat, founding a college, and leading the National Council for Negro Women.

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  Women's Rights NHP

  Prominent 19th-century activists gathered in Seneca Falls, New York, in July of 1948 to hold the first Women's Rights Convention.

Discover More Women's History