Educational Resources
Ensuring Her Story is Included in History
Lesson Plans
And Still, They Served
And Still, They Served: Black Servicewomen in World War II examines the critical roles that Black servicewomen play in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.
One Small Step For Women
Explore the contributions of servicewomen in support roles during the Space Race through the collection of Pearl Tucker, the Mother of aerospace nursing. Students will analyze primary sources and use critical thinking and discussion to explore various aspects of the Space Race, including the role of aerospace nurses, and consider the costs and viability of the space program.
Service & Suffrage
Examine the role of American servicewomen in World War I in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States.
And Still, They Served: Black Servicewomen in World War II
Nearly 9,000 African American women served throughout the United States and in England under racially segregated and discriminatory conditions. Black servicewomen trained in all-Black units and were permitted only to compose a certain enlistment quota. They served largely in support roles and in positions of menial and manual labor. They were barred from the same advancement opportunities given to white women and almost entirely prohibited from serving overseas. And still, they served.
Grades 6-12
1-2 Class Periods
Meets standards of learning in history and social studies for Common Core, Virginia and the National Council for the Social Studies Standards.
This lesson plan, resource packet and presentation resource was created in part with the Military Women’s Memorial exhibit: The Color of Freedom.
One Small Step For Women: American Servicewomen in the Space Race
This program examines the contributions of American servicewomen to the Space Race. From the late 1950s through the 1960s, the United States engaged in the Space Race against the Soviet Union, each trying to become the first country to put a man on the moon. The US and Soviet Union believed that having such capabilities would demonstrate a technological advantage over the other. NASA formed in 1958 to oversee aeronautical and space programs. President John F. Kennedy cemented America’s determination to win the Space Race in a 1962 speech in which he vowed to go to the moon by the end of the decade, demonstrating the importance of the Space Race to foreign policy.
Early American astronauts were all men who had a military background. NASA decided not to allow women to become astronauts during this period. Although they were excluded from spaceflight, women contributed to the Space Race in supporting roles, including aerospace nursing.
Grades 6-12
1 class period
Meets standards of learning in history and social studies for Common Core, Virginia and the National Council for the Social Studies Standards.
Service & Suffrage: How Women’s World War I Service Won Them the Vote
This program examines the role of American servicewomen in World War I in the fight for women’s suffrage.
The women’s suffrage movement was nearly a century-long struggle that faced factionalism and opposition. The movement ended in a victory with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which gave women the right to vote nationwide.
Women who served in the military during World War I demonstrated that they, like American men, were willing to sacrifice for their country, and could perform important work independently. Women’s wartime contributions, including in and alongside the U.S. Military, advanced the arguments for women’s suffrage based on civic participation to include military service. Other suffragists continuously picketed the White House, ensuring the issues were not forgotten. President Woodrow Wilson, beleaguered by protestors and swayed by women’s service, finally put his support behind the women’s suffrage movement, paving the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Grades 9-12
1 Class Period
Meets standards of learning in history and social studies for Common Core, Virginia and the National Council for the Social Studies Standards.
Lesson Plan
Resource Packet
Request A Tour – Coming in the Future
Visiting the Memorial? We will be offering free overview tours of the Military Women’s Memorial. Take a journey through HERstory – women’s service to our nation, from the American Revolution through today. Learn about the Military Women’s Memorial – the history, mission, and our future.
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
When: During regular operating hours
Cost: Free
Minimum notice: Availability is limited and will require 2 weeks minimum advance notice to schedule a tour.
To request: Coming soon
Online Exhibits
LOCATION
MEMORIAL AVE & SCHLEY DR
ARLINGTON, VA 22203
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