#United States #Washington, D.C. #Lilly Endowment #National Women's History Museum #Faith and Freedom

National Women's History Museum Awarded $2.5 Million Grant

The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) is set to launch an exciting new exhibition titled Faith and Freedom, supported by a generous grant of $2.5 million received from the Lilly Endowment Inc. This grant is part of the Endowment's Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative, aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between religion and social justice. The exhibition is anticipated to be a profound exploration of women's activism through the lens of their spiritual and religious beliefs.

Exploring Faith and Social Justice

The Faith and Freedom exhibition promises to be a multi-dimensional experience, diving into 300 years of history that showcase the significant contributions of women from diverse religious backgrounds. Visitors will encounter stories from historical figures such as abolitionists and suffragists, as well as modern activists advocating for reproductive health and education. The exhibition intends to illustrate how these women have woven their faith into their activism, leveraging their spiritual convictions to champion social justice causes.

Dr. Lori Ann Terjesen, the vice president of education at NWHM, expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating, "We're deeply honored to have received this grant from Lilly Endowment in support of our forthcoming exhibition, which will highlight the profound impact women of diverse faiths have had in shaping social justice movements throughout history." Through this initiative, the museum seeks to ignite reflection on the vital relationship between faith and activism, promoting a culture of courage, collaboration, and purpose-driven action.

An Educational and Inspirational Experience

Scheduled to engage audiences well beyond its opening, the Faith and Freedom exhibition aims to educate visitors not only about historical contexts but also to inspire them to contribute actively to contemporary social justice efforts. Utilizing a variety of formats, including historical documentation, personal narratives, and interactive displays, the exhibition will foster a deeper understanding of how religious beliefs influence gender dynamics and activism.

The museum's mission is to amplify women's voices and encourage all visitors to engage meaningfully with the content, thus contributing to a more just society. By intertwining personal stories with broader social movements, the exhibit aims to resonate with visitors on a personal level, driving them to think critically about their roles in today’s societal frameworks.

A Collaborative Effort

The Faith and Freedom initiative is part of a larger effort to raise awareness about the role of religion in societal development. NWHM is one of 33 organizations across the United States to receive funding through this latest round of the Lilly Endowment initiative. Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment's vice president for religion, emphasized the importance of museums in fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs in today’s society, stating, “The United States is widely considered to be one of the most religiously diverse nations today.”

About the National Women's History Museum

Founded in 1996, NWHM is a pioneering virtual-first museum dedicated to uncovering and celebrating women's contributions to society. With an emphasis on education, NWHM reaches more than five million visitors annually through its digital content and programs, aiming to reshape the narratives surrounding women in history. The museum’s nonpartisan and nonprofit status underscores its commitment to providing an inclusive platform for education and advocacy.

As the museum prepares to unveil the Faith and Freedom exhibition, it reaffirms its role as a significant force in women's history, encouraging current and future generations to recognize and harness their potential. Through this new exhibit, the NWHM endeavors to bridge the past with present challenges, inspiring future action in the ongoing quest for social justice.