Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Receives $4 Million in Donations To Continue Museum’s Development

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum has announced a $2 million gift from The Coca-Cola Company, a $1 million gift from The Hartford and a $1 million gift from Cassie Arison to support the development of the museum. The donations establish The Coca-Cola Company, The Hartford and Arison as founding donors of the museum, which aims to expand the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively—to better understand the past and inspire the future.

“Building a national museum requires a national effort from both public companies and private individuals,” said Elizabeth C. Babcock, director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. “Support from companies like The Coca-Cola Company and The Hartford alongside individuals like Cassie Arison is essential to building a space worthy of our mission to share women’s stories.”

“We are proud to build on our historical partnership with the Smithsonian by contributing to the launch of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum,” said Alba Castillo Baylin, vice president of stakeholder and social impact management, The Coca-Cola Company. “We encourage authenticity, curiosity and accountability at The Coca-Cola Company, and the women whose stories will be told at the museum embody the values that make our business, and the communities we call home, resilient.”

These donations represent another important step for the museum’s initial planning for a building and facilitation of program development and digital content. As it builds momentum toward a future groundbreaking, the museum has already launched its first digital exhibition, “Becoming Visible: Bringing American Women’s History Into Focus,” which confronts how women’s stories have been in a constant state of becoming visible in American history.

“The Hartford is committed to advancing social equity and improving access to resources and opportunities that help create stronger, more resilient people, businesses and communities,” said Claire Burns, The Hartford’s chief marketing and communications officer. 

“I am honored and proud to be one of many founders of this monumentally important museum,” Arison said.

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum expands the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively—to better understand our past and inspire our future. Through new scholarship, diverse viewpoints and innovative forms of exhibition, storytelling and participation, the museum inspires the next generation to create a more equitable world. The legislation creating the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum passed Dec. 27, 2020, and the museum is working with Congress to finalize a site for a building. Connect with the museum at womenshistory.si.edu.