The Heart of Our Memorial
Preserving Her Story
We are the leading memorial and education center honoring the commitment, contributions and experiences of Servicewoman.
Three million women have served in or with the Armed Forces since the American Revolution. By contributing names and information to our Register, you can help us record and preserve stories that will otherwise be lost to history and unknown to future generations.
Learn about the Register, why registering is important, and who can register at Make HERstory:
Learn & Experience
What Her Story Can Teach You
As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, we educate and inspire through innovative and interactive exhibitions, our world-class collections, and engaging programs and events for all generations.
Honoring Her Service
For more than 250 years, women have answered our Nation’s call to serve—from the American Revolution to today’s global missions. They have served as Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication are part of the American story.
At the Military Women’s Memorial, we are committed to ensuring that their service is honored, preserved, and remembered.
As the only national memorial dedicated to the women who have served in and with the United States Armed Forces, the Memorial preserves and shares their stories through one of the largest collections of military women’s artifacts, an expanding archive of oral histories, and dynamic exhibits that span from the American Revolution to the present day. The Memorial is also home to a research library, where scholars, students, and historians can explore the history of women in military service and access primary materials that help tell these important stories.
Through the Military Women’s Memorial National Register, we preserve the personal stories of servicewomen for generations to come—ensuring that every woman’s story has a permanent place in our nation’s history.
We also bring these stories to life through innovative programs, public events, and educational resources, including lesson plans and materials that help educators share the legacy of women who serve/d with students across the country.
And we invite the community to take part in honoring her service. Programs like the Adopt-A-Woman Veteran Project allow volunteers to help research and preserve the stories of women whose service might otherwise be lost to history.
Together—with the support of our community—we ensure that the courage, service, and contributions of women who have worn our Nation’s uniform are recognized, preserved, celebrated, and that their stories of service inspire the generations that follow.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we cannot do this work without the support of our community. Thank you for making a difference and helping us tell their stories.
A Sea Change: Women on Combatant Ships
The Military Women’s Memorial launched our most recent exhibit, A Sea Change: Women on Combatant Ships in August 2024.
The 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (PL 625) prohibited women from being “assigned to duty on vessels of the Navy except hospital ships and naval transports”—to which only a handful of women were actually assigned.
With this new exhibit, the Military Women’s Memorial seeks to present the extraordinary, hard-fought story of Navy women’s journey to serve aboard combatant ships and examine the challenges and accomplishments of a three-decades-plus statutory blockade to their full participation.
The Color of Freedom
Born during a time when our nation continues to seek healing amid persistent calls to dismantle systemic racism, The Color of Freedom exhibit highlights the powerful and often overlooked contributions of women of color in the defense of our country.
Spanning more than 250 years of service, the exhibit honors the courage, resilience, and leadership of women from diverse backgrounds who have served our Nation—from the earliest days of the American Revolution through today’s modern military.
The Color of Freedom celebrates the strength found in diversity and recognizes the vital role women of color have played in defending our freedoms. By bringing these stories forward, the exhibit helps ensure that their service is recognized as an essential and enduring part of the American story.
Upcoming Events
New Exhibit: “From War to Peace: World War II Opportunity, Postwar Domesticity”
New Exhibit: "From War to Peace: World War II Opportunity, Postwar Domesticity"
How You Can Support Her Story
Our Gift Shop
Military Women's Memorial Ornament
Commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with this beautifully designed ornament from the Military Women’s Memorial. This special keepsake honors a pivotal moment in our nation’s history while recognizing the dedication and service of military women who have strengthened our country.
Made in the USA
Service Branch Items
Honor the legacy of service with items representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Our collection includes hats, coins, patches, flags, jewelry, and more—perfect for veterans, families, and supporters who wish to proudly display their connection to military service.
Books By and About Women Who Serve
Explore our collection of books written by and about women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. With selections for both adults and younger readers, these stories offer powerful insights into courage, service, leadership, and the unique experiences of military women across generations.
Make A Gift & Fundraisers
Make A Gift To The Memorial
A gift to the Military Women’s Memorial helps ensure that the stories of the women who have served our Nation are never forgotten. Your support allows us to honor their service, preserve their history, and educate future generations about the vital role women have played in defending our country for more than 250 years.
Through exhibits, programs, the National Register of military women, and the preservation of artifacts and oral histories, the Memorial brings these powerful stories to life. Every donation helps continue this mission.
Help us ensure that the service of military women is always part of the American story. 🇺🇸
Military Women's Memorial Poster
$40.00 - $50.00
Show your love and pride for your Memorial by purchasing one of our beautiful Military Women’s Memorial prints.
Your support goes a long way in helping the Military Women’s Memorial ensure the story of every woman who has served is preserved and told at the Military Women’s Memorial.
Square Foot Society
$333
Become a member of the Square Foot Society and help support the future of the Military Women’s Memorial. By purchasing an honorary square foot, you help preserve and share the stories of women who have served our Nation.
With the purchase of all 33,000 square feet—and the generosity of corporate partners and organizations—the Memorial will begin a much-needed renovation to update our exhibit galleries and better tell the story of women’s service.
Members receive a commemorative certificate and coin. Purchase a square foot for yourself or dedicate one in honor or memory of a military woman or supporter. Join today and help preserve her story.
Servicewomen Dolls
$45.00
These cute and cuddly 16 inch plush servicewomen dolls are available donning the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force. They have flexible joints for movement in arms and legs and the removable clothing has loop and hook closures.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
“A stellar experience”
“Knowledgeable staff, and a powerful reminder of the contributions of women in the military. Ask a docent for a tour, the stories are amazing!“
Rod R.
“A must see when visiting Arlington“
“As a Veteran of the US Army, I am super impressed with this memorial. The exhibits are extensive and creative, and the building itself is just incredible. It is a testament to those of us who served and sacrificed.“
Teresa R.
“Amazing place and my experience left me speechless.”
“The site is very well maintained. It provides a great visual for those that just don’t know about us and it also provides a home for all of us that might have no where else to call home in the male-dominate environment..“
Jhomara H.
“What an amazing gem tucked into Arlington.”
“I literally walked into this by accident when we were exploring the area around Arlington. Do not miss this if you are taking time to reflect.“
Jim J.
Don’t Miss
What’s Online
Explore news about the Military Women’s Memorial, blog posts, video, and more.
News & Updates
MILITARY WOMEN’S MEMORIAL CELEBRATES CONTRIBUTIONS BY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION TOTALING $1M IN SUPPORT OF PRESERVING STORIES OF WOMEN SERVICEMEMBERS
Military Women’s Memorial Celebrates Contributions by Daughters of the American Revolution Totaling $1 Million in Support of Preserving Stories of Women Servicemembers Most Recent Donation by DAR will Support Important Renovations to Gallery Spaces within the Memorial...
JoAnne “JO” Bass, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Retired), Named Military Women’s Memorial Honorary Board Chair
JoAnne "JO" Bass, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (RETIRED) NAMED HONORARY BOARD CHAIR FOR THE MILITARY WOMEN'S MEMORIAL She will serve in this honorary role in recognition of her trailblazing service as the first woman to be named as the senior enlisted leader...
Lieutenant General Nina M. Armagno, U.S. Space Force, Retired, Named Military Women’s Memorial Honorary Board Chair
Lieutenant General Nina M. Armagno U.S. Space Force, Retired Her service in this honorary role recognizes the women of the U.S. Space Force (Arlington, Va., March 30, 2024)— Retired U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General Nina Armagno has accepted the Women In Military...
Latest from the HERstory Video Series
Ways to Give
MEMORIAL LOCATION
MEMORIAL AVE & SCHLEY DR
ARLINGTON, VA 22203
*Please note, our mailing address is different than the physical location of the Memorial.
Hours of Operation
MON – SAT
9:00am – 5:00pm
SUN
12:00pm – 5:00pm
QUESTIONS?
We'd love to hear from you!
PHONE: (703) 533-1155
Connect With Us
Mailing Address
Military Women's Memorial Foundation
200 N. Glebe Rd, Ste 400
Arlington, VA 22203
*Please note, this is our mailing address and not the physical address of the Memorial.