WASHINGTON, DC The
Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum presents the new featured collection “Women on Stamps: Part I” on the award-winning Web site, Arago, in honor of Women’s History Month. Since 1893, when the image of a woman first appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, the United States has honored women for their many achievements. More than 200 stamps represent women, from politicians and social activists to educators and artists to businesswomen and performers.
“Women on Stamps: Part I” is the first in a series of four featured collections to highlight the accomplishments of these women. The collection describes the influence and achievements of several prominent First Ladies, such as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison, as well as the valiant efforts of native women and colonists in the developing nation, including Pocahontas and Molly Pitcher. The fortitude of abolitionists and suffragists in the fight for equal rights is portrayed; their efforts eventually culminated in the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Arago is dedicated to the online presentation of the museum’s vast collections. Stunning high-resolution images and associated stories are presented by curators, expert volunteer researchers, museum staff and guest writers. The virtual museum never closes, offering people around the world access to thousands of objects and online exhibits featuring philatelic and postal history treasures. Visit it at
www.arago.si.edu.