On February 11th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1980, which is known as the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act. This will establish a council to explore options to create a Women’s History Museum in DC.

“By creating a Smithsonian museum dedicated to telling American women’s history, we can inspire future generations to make history themselves. Representation matters,” the lawmakers said. The museum would highlight women who have a significant history in the United States such as Susan B. Anthony and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

The year 2020 marks the 100th year since the revolutionary Women’s suffrage law, the right for women to vote, was passed. The bill won support from 224 Democrats and 150 Republicans. Every woman in the House voted for it  except one — Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming (and the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney).

While the law was passed, there is a history of taking time to have a standing museum. The law for a Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture passed in 2003, but it took until 2016 to have the museum completed. Having a museum that honors and encourages women to make strides in American history should be celebrated and have its own museum in DC.