IN SUPPORT OF A NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM

WHEREAS, the US Conference of Mayors has always supported equality and acknowledge that women have contributed to every aspect of our American life; and

WHEREAS, Women have been pioneers in science, law, the arts, government and so many important aspects of the American story; and

WHEREAS, Women’s history is largely missing from our national story – less than 8% of the statues on public lands recognize women leaders and only 13 of the 217 statues in our nation’s Capital Building are of women leaders; and

WHEREAS, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) has spent seven years trying to secure an appropriate location through Congress in Washington DC.  The NWHM is a privately funded 501(c)(3) and will privately fund the construction of the Museum.  The NWHM is only trying to secure permission from Congress to build on the land between 14^th and 15^th Street on Independence Avenue on the National Mall; and

WHEREAS, The National Mall largely portrays men in history and The National Women's History Museum will help fill the void. Rather than rewriting current exhibitions at other museums or having to decide what to omit elsewhere to "fit in" women's history, the NWHM will serve to place women's history along side current historical exhibitions; and

WHEREAS, The National Women’s History Museum affirms the value of knowing Women’s History, illuminates the role of women in transforming society and encourages all people, women and men, to participate in democratic dialogue about our future;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the US Conference of Mayors believes that women's contributions and accomplishments have been significantly overlooked and that women have in fact woven the very fabric of our society through their support and development of culture, families, communities and society; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, US Conference of Mayors strongly urges Congress to support and expedite federal legislation that would allow the construction of the National Women’s History Museum on the National Mall.