Media Advisory: "Girlhood (It's Complicated)"

A colorful mural featuring girls doing things
WHAT:       
The National Museum of American History will host a two-day, by-appointment-only press preview of “Girlhood (It’s Complicated).”
 
WHEN:      
Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 8 Between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., by appointment only
 
WHERE:    
Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History ACCESS: Staff entrance, 12th Street N.W. between Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive
 
WHO:        
Anthea M. Hartig, Elizabeth MacMillan Director (available Oct. 8, 9:30–11 a.m.)
Kathleen Franz, curator and project director, National Museum of American History
Nancy Bercaw, curator, National Museum of American History
Sam Vong, curator, National Museum of American History
Mireya Loza, curator, National Museum of American History
 
While the nursery rhyme proclaims that girls are “made of sugar and spice and everything nice,” history demonstrates that girls are made of stronger stuff. “Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” opening Oct. 9 at the National Museum of American History, showcases the ways that girls have been on the frontlines of change in all aspects of American life. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Oct. 11. Spanning a timeframe of more than 200 years and showcasing approximately 200 objects, including some never seen before, the exhibition examines the ways American girls, from Helen Keller to Minnijean Brown to Naomi Wadler, have spoken up, challenged expectations and used their voices to effect change. NOTE: Media by appointment only. Contact Clara de Pablo or Melinda Machado by email to schedule an in-person preview. Virtual previews are also available for scheduling. Press and public are invited to attend “Girlhood Live—a Virtual Celebration” Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. to mark the exhibition’s opening and experience the gallery virtually. The museum is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and free reserved passes are required and accessible through the museum’s website.

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Media only:
Melinda Machado
202-361-1266
 
Clara de Pablo
202-633-3129