| Since its first meeting in 1881, the American Association of University Women has been a catalyst for change. Today, with more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 550 college and university partners, AAUW contributes to a more promising future and provides a powerful voice for education and equity for women and girls. It is particularly appropriate that AAUW stand together this year in support of the National Women’s History Museum as we celebrate our own 125th anniversary. AAUW has a rich legacy of leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and action — all of which have made us the powerful network of educated women we are today.
AAUW is pleased to join our coalition partners in launching this nationwide campaign calling on the House of Representatives to approve Senate-passed legislation (S. 501) allowing the museum to make its permanent home at the Old Post Office Annex. The National Women’s History Museum should play a critical role in efforts to better integrate women’s history into our national history, and would best do so with a permanent presence near the National Mall in our nation’s capital.
March is National Women’s History Month, a time when we are especially reminded that women can — and do — change the course of history. We have recently mourned the loss of three extraordinary women who exemplified this fact — Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Betty Friedan. These icons for civil rights and equality for women are part of both women’s history and the nation’s. Their lives will continue to offer valuable lessons to all of us, but especially to our children as long as their stories are told.
We must recognize and preserve our knowledge of the contributions of women as we reflect on the important progress women have made. By doing so we can inspire women across the country and around the world who are continuing the struggle to make their communities and their countries safer and more equitable places for women and girls.
The National Women’s History Museum in a permanent home would be a remarkable gift to future generations. It would honor the past, inform the present, and help shape the future — an investment with a powerful return. AAUW urges the House of Representatives to support the Senate bill, and give the museum the home it deserves. ### The American Association of University Women, with its nationwide network of more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 550 college and university partners, has been a leading advocate for equity and education for women and girls since 1881. AAUW proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary this year — a legacy of leadership. 
AAUW: Because Equity Is Still an Issue www.aauw.org | 
