Sobre
Legislation passed Dec. 27, 2020, establishing two new museums at the Smithsonian: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Although there is no building yet for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, the interim director Melanie Adams and her staff are working on virtual exhibitions, programs and fundraising.
Adams was named the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in 2019 and has temporarily stepped away from that role to head the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. When the museum was established by Congress in late 2020, Lisa Sasaki served as its interim director.
The museum’s 25-member advisory council was established in summer 2021 and includes 19 citizens, the Smithsonian Secretary, one member of the Board of Regents and four members appointed by congressional leadership. The board held its first meeting virtually in October 2021. It advises and assists the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents on matters related to the development of the museum.
The Site-Selection Process
After a nearly two-year extensive site-selection process, the Smithsonian Board of Regents identified two optimal sites for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Oct. 27, 2022: the South Monument and Tidal Basin sites. Legislative action is necessary before the Smithsonian Board of Regents can indicate its final designation. The Smithsonian continues to work with congressional stakeholders on next steps.
