Norton Speaks Out in Support of Bill for National Women’s History Museum, Before Tomorrow’s Mark-Up

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), an original cosponsor of H.R. 863, the “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women's History Museum Act of 2013,” reiterated the importance of bringing a Women’s History Museum to the nation’s capital and said that she is excited and grateful that after years of effort, a bill to establish the museum is moving. A House Administration Committee mark-up of the bill will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 10:30 a.m., in 1310 Longworth House Office Building. The bill would establish a commission to submit a report on a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C.

“It is no secret that women are disproportionately underrepresented in history books and even among the monuments and museums of our nation’s capital, but we have been working to give women the stronger presence that is necessary to fully understand and appreciate our nation’s history,” said Norton. “The museum also has significant potential to bring D.C., a major tourist town, new visitors and to encourage others to stay longer. In addition to the 87 other House members who have signed on to the bill, I am particularly thankful for the women who have raised funds and have persisted with the effort to build a museum for women in the nation's capital.”

Norton, a senior member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, has been working with Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) – the sponsor of H.R. 863 – and other women in the House since 2009 to establish a National Women’s History Museum. Initially, they found land on the Mall that could have been designated for the museum, but it is no longer available. They also tried to get the museum directly established. However, just as the National Museum of African American History and Culture currently under construction required a study, Norton believes a study is also the best approach for a National Women’s History Museum.

Published: April 1, 2014