Washington, D.C., is filled to the brim with both trailblazing women and rich history, making it the perfect place to celebrate National Women's History Month. With International Women's Day approaching on March 8, there's certainly no shortage of places and events in the DMV to honor all things female.
(And as Beyonce says, who runs the world? Girls.)
MUSEUMS:
- Visit the National Women's Party at Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument -- it's offering special programs throughout March to celebrate Women's History Month. Walking tours, open houses and special talks are among some of the highlights. The historic site is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Attend a free tour at Arlington National Cemetery. The tours are happening March 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., honoring women who have served in the military, as well as other notable women buried in the cemetery. Tour groups will hear from Army Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams and Arlington National Cemetery Historian Tim Frank. Tours are free, but registration is requested.
- Visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington. It is the only national memorial honoring all U.S. servicewomen, according its website. It's open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which features a collection of 4,500 pieces created by women. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
- Visit the National Museum of American History, which has an entire exhibit dedicated to the first ladies of the United States. Gowns worn by former first ladies are on display, and visitors can learn about the important and ever-changing, albeit unofficial, role that first ladies play. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is free to visit.
EVENTS:
- Do you love correcting people? Then this event is for you. The National Museum of Women in the Arts will host its fifth annual Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is part of a larger initiative by Art+Feminism to improve the quality and quantity of entries on Wikipedia about female artists. Admission is free, but online registration is required. Bring a laptop, power cord and a photo ID with you to the event!
- The Daughters of the American Revolution Library is offering a free Genealogy Class on March 18 at 10 a.m. In honor of Women's History Month, this class will give attendees some tips on how to research for female ancestors. Register online here.
- D.C. Public Libraries are offering a wide range of free events -- including reenactments, poetry readings and film screenings -- at various locations. See the complete list here.
- Busboys and Poets in Brookland is hosting a film screening of "Girls Rising" March 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- The University of Maryland Women's Chorus will hold its 13th Celebration of Women's Voices concert March 4 at 8 p.m. The program, held at the university's Memorial Chapel, is free to the public.
- The National Building Museum is offering a talk, Architects Across Generations with architect and philanthropist Beverly Willis and CEO and entrepreneur Paola Moya. In the context of Women's History Month, these successful women will discuss their inspirations and challenges in their careers. The talk will be held March 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for members, $10 for students and $20 for non-members.
Looking for a way to celebrate International Women's Day? Here are some things you can do on March 8:
- The Asherah Foundation will host its International Women's Day Celebration on March 8 at WeWork (1875 K St. NW), 6 to 8 p.m. Spend your night sipping some wine, eating some chocolate and celebrating women. All proceeds from the event will support the foundation's Second Chance Scholarships for Women. Attendees must be at least 21. Go here to reserve a ticket and make a donation.
- Want to do some shopping that you can feel good about? Head to Alexandria for the International Women's Day Community Shopping event. On March 8, 10 percent of the day's sales at Ten Thousand Villages will be donated to the city's domestic violence program.
- The National Press Club and Newsy are hosting a screening of the first two episodes of "A Woman's Job." This Newsy original series profiles women building careers in male-dominated industries. There will also be a panel discussion with two women featured in the series. The screening and panel will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the National Press Club.
