Media Advisory: Nancy Pelosi, First Woman Speaker of the House, Donates Historic Speaker’s Gavel to National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Announces Plans for American Women’s History Initiative
February 28, 2018
WHAT: The National Museum of American History will accept objects from House Democratic
Leader Nancy Pelosi representing her election as the first woman Speaker of the house.
The Smithsonian will also announces plans for a new American Women’s History Initiative.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7
Media set-up at 8:30 a.m.
Program begins at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Flag Hall (second floor)
Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
National Mall entrance, Madison Drive between 12th and 14th streets N.W.
WHO: Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), U.S. House Democratic Leader
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Smithsonian Regent
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), House Republican Conference Chairwoman
Judy Woodruff, co-anchor/managing editor, PBS News Hour and former member of the
National Museum of American History’s board
David J. Skorton, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
John Gray, director, National Museum of American History
Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of political history, National Museum of American History
In a special donation ceremony, the National Museum of American History will receive three objects from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi representing her election as the first woman Speaker of the House: the lacquered-maple gavel given to her, the burgundy pantsuit she wore to her swearing in and the original speech she gave on the morning of Jan. 4, 2007.
Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton will announce the launch of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.
The event will be webcast at www.si.edu/live.
Note to editors: Media must register in advance to cover the event by contacting the museum’s press office at 202-633-0820 or emailing fairchilda@si.edu.
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