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World War I was a watershed event for women and their involvement in the military and military efforts. Women provided indispensable services for the country and were involved in every aspect of the war, whether volunteering with wartime organizations, serving in auxiliary units of the armed forces, working on the home front, caring for the sick and wounded in hospitals and medical units, sending loved ones off to fight, living in the devastation of war, or inspiring and commemorating patriotism and service. This group brings together objects from across the Smithsonian that showcase the numerous roles women played in WWI and their significant contribution to that moment in history.

After the U.S. entered World War I in April 1917, the Army commissioned eight artists to record the activities of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France. The mission of America's first official war artists was to capture the wide-ranging activities of American soldiers with the intent of shaping popular understanding of the war at home. Their collective output of more than 700 sketches, drawings, and paintings captured a rich and compelling “in-the-moment” view of the Great War. The Division of Armed Forces History holds over 500 pieces of this official artwork in their collections.

During World War I, the British blockade of German ports prevented American manufacturers from importing dyes for textiles, paper, and leather. See how one American silk company made a virtue of necessity by starting a fashion for dressing in black and white.

The lace collection was started in 1908 to assemble a collection of arts and crafts for the Smithsonian Institution. From the initial 500 pieces it has grown to approximately 6,000 objects. Most of the objects originated in Europe and were donated by American collectors.