14 Places to Learn About Women's History
If you want to learn the whole history, you’ve also got to learn the “herstory.” Celebrate women’s historical and modern contributions to art, literature, politics and more during Women’s History Month and all year round by planning a trip to one of these museums and historic sites honoring women in the U.S. and beyond.
1 | Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Hyde Park, New York
Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most influential American First Ladies and, perhaps, one of the most famous women in American history. Visit Val-Kill, her personal retreat and the first National Historic Site devoted to a First Lady, to learn about her life and accomplishments. You can also learn about this famous First Lady during “Tea with Eleanor” at Roosevelt Campobello International Park in New Brunswick, Canada—the Roosevelts’ summer retreat.
2 | The Rosa Parks Museum
Montgomery, Alabama
Learn about Rosa Parks, "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" at the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University, where interactive exhibits tell the story of Rosa Parks, the Montgomery bus boycott and its role in the civil rights movement. And there’s lots more to learn along the Civil Rights Trail.
3 | Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A trip to Santa Fe would not be complete without a docent-led visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. The museum holds the largest collection of the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most significant artists and feminists of the 20th century.
While you’re in the neighborhood, take a field trip to The Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center in Abiquiu — just an hour drive from Santa Fe — to explore Georgia’s home and studio and take in the stunning Southwest landscapes that inspired her.
4 | Althorp Estate
Northampton, England
Althorp House, where Princess Diana’s brother Charles resides, has been home to the Spencer family for over 500 years. Visit the 13,000-acre estate in the English countryside to see Diana’s childhood bedroom and learn about her life as a girl. Visit with Road Scholar to walk through the estate with Diana’s security guard, Ken Wharfe.
If you’re visiting Althorp, you’ll likely be flying into and spending some time in London. If so, be sure to stop at Kensington Palace to see some of Princess Diana’s most famous outfits and to learn about another fierce British leader, Queen Victoria.
5 | Intentional Growth Center
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Join scholars and intellectuals at beautiful Lake Junaluska in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina to learn about local women’s history. Delve into the achievements of Appalachian women during daily lectures, and find out about the matriarchal customs of the local Cherokee tribe.
6 | The Jane Austen Centre
Bath, England
Study the life and legacy of world-renowned British author Jane Austen as you visit visit her hometown of Bath. It is said that Jane was unhappy during her time in Bath and did not do much writing here. But her social life in here served as inspiration for much of her future works. Visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn about the impact that the city had on her and see a life-size wax model of the author.
7 | Women’s Rights National Historic Park
Seneca Falls, New York
This 6.8-acre park was established in 1989 to commemorate the work done in this area during the women’s suffrage movement. Visit the Wesleyan Chapel, the site of the first women’s rights convention, and explore Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s house to learn about Elizabeth and other early women's rights activists.
Road Scholars will also learn about links between the Iroquois Clan Mothers and the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848.
8 | The Frida Kahlo Museum
Mexico City, Mexico
Frida Kahlo de Rivera’s fame extends far beyond her home-country of Mexico, and her self-portraits made her one of the most-recognized artists of all time. Take a trip down to Mexico City to explore the life and portraits of this renowned artist and celebrated feminist at Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Museum.
9 | The Museum of London
London, England
The museum of London tells the city’s history, from prehistoric to modern times. And that includes a permanent exhibit of England’s suffragette history. Visit to learn about Emmeline Pankhurst and other brave women who fought for equal rights as you delve into the cultural heritage of London.
While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery to learn about the first British female physician.
10 | The National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only major museum in the world that focuses on women’s visual, performing and literary arts. Wander through more than 4,500 works of art by more than 1,000 woman artists from all over the world.
Continue your women’s history lesson in D.C. at the Smithsonian Museums. Check out the First Ladies exhibit at the National Museum of American History, and learn about Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart and other female trailblazers at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
11 | Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Church Creek, MD
This National Historical Park is a bit off the beaten path, but if you find yourself in the Baltimore or Washington D.C. areas, consider taking a two-hour field trip to learn about the Underground Railroad and Harriet’s role in escorting over 300 slaves to freedom. Established in 2017, the historical park received over 100,000 visitors in its first year, shattering projections.
You can also visit Harriet Tubman's home in Auburn, New York to learn about the role she played in the fight for women's suffrage.
12 | The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Whether you want to travel solo or embark on a historical adventure, visiting the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a must. As one of the most historic places in the U.S., the Betsy Ross House is a great place for celebrating Women’s History Month. Betsy Ross, a skilled seamstress, was credited for designing the first American flag in 1776, with her story highlighting the often-underrepresented contributions women of her time made to trades and traditional crafts.
Betsy Ross is also known for continuing her upholstery business after her husband’s death, which was unusual for women of that period. However, her entrepreneurial spirit showcased her business prowess and creativity, demonstrating a form of women’s empowerment that is important to celebrate and recognize.
Betsy Ross is a key player in women’s history, and visiting her Philadelphia home can teach you more about her life and contributions. When touring the Betsy Ross House, you’ll be able to interact with costumed interpreters depicting women and men of the 18th century, making this experience a popular thing to do during Women’s History Month. Meet Mary Crathorne in the Betsy Ross House courtyard, who took over her late husband’s chocolate and mustard business and became the owner of the mill in Germantown that helped her sell dry goods and spices. Also, in the home’s courtyard, you can meet Margaret Woodby, a free Black woman who was one of Philadelphia’s finest bakers, selling everything from cheesecakes and jumbles to custards and pound cake.
At Road Scholar, our Signature City Philadelphia program brings participants to some top destinations in the City of Brotherly Love, including the Betsy Ross House. If you’re especially looking for Women’s History Month activities, a stop at the Betsy Ross House will teach you about the significant contributions women made during the 18th century and how they shaped our country today.
13 | Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Interested in women-only adventures that explore the outdoors? The Grand Canyon National Park is an excellent destination for solo female travel and small-group travel, where you'll learn about women’s history in a unique way. While the Grand Canyon might not be a site you’d think of when it comes to celebrating Women’s History Month, it’s a great way to learn about women's often-forgotten contributions to shaping our country’s National Parks.
To start, the areas surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park are heavily influenced by indigenous cultures, where women played a key role. Here, many indigenous tribes were matriarchal societies, and visitors can gain insights into the historical role of women. Nampeyo, a renowned Hopi ceramicist and artist, made traditional pottery following in her mother’s footsteps, delicately hand-painting each of her vessels by drawing inspiration from 15th-century potters in the area.
Another woman to celebrate on or around Women’s History Month is Mary Colter, one of the top architects of the first half of the 20th century. Colter was responsible for designing eight buildings throughout Grand Canyon National Park which still stand today, including the Hopi House, Hermit’s Rest, Bright Angel Lodge, Phantom Ranch, Lookout Studio and the Desert View Watchtower. Colter worked for the Fred Harvey Company, designing two employee dormitories for the company, Colter Hall and Victor Hall, which played key roles in developing the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway that enters the South Rim.
Other important figures in women’s history include Pauline Mead Patraw, the first female park ranger in the Grand Canyon, and Georgia White, the first female river guide in the park. As you explore the deep canyon walls, historic outposts and visitor centers, you can learn about the contributions many women made which helped this National Park become one of the most visited in the country.
Road Scholar offers a wide range of National Park tours that make for perfect Women’s History Month activities. Local expert guides will walk you through each park, uncovering the primary players shaping America’s parks and showing you wildlife, geography and more.
14 | World War II Museum
New Orleans, Louisiana
Venture to the Bayou State and visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Learning about the women of World War II is another great opportunity for celebrating Women’s History Month, as visitors discover the sacrifices and contributions women made after the Second World War erupted in 1939. From sending husbands, children, siblings and friends to the front lines to joining the war effort themselves, women's experiences in World War II are expertly highlighted in the National World War II Museum.
As you make your way through the museum, you can listen to oral histories from women like Betty Bagot, the sister of a marine, Opal Grapes from the Army Nurse Corps and Barbara Pathe, a Red Cross “Clubmobiler.” You'll also hear oral histories from Holocaust survivors like Charlotte Weiss and Reva Kibort.
Museum visitors will also be able to explore the experiences of American women at home and how they navigated the war with shortages, blackouts and rationing, and you'll hear about the internment of Japanese American women and their families. You'll find out about the resistance activities of women in occupied countries and their espionage, sabotage and clandestine activities to resist the Axis Powers.
American women also joined the war effort, volunteering abroad to join the American Red Cross, USO and hundreds of other organizations created to assist the Allied Powers. With nearly 350,000 American women serving in uniform abroad and at home, understanding their contributions is essential when grasping their importance in women’s history. From office and clerical jobs to laboratory technicians and radio operators, women took roles in a wide range of professions to allow more men to fight on the front lines.
However, while their efforts aided in the win, post-war life looked much different. Toward the end of the museum’s tour, you’ll learn how many women struggled during the post-war years, as many lost their jobs and couldn’t take advantage of benefit programs for veterans, such as the G.I. Bill. Road Scholar’s Signature City New Orleans program brings participants to the National World War II Museum, where you can discover first-hand one of the most historic places in the U.S. and how women shaped history during this turbulent time.