Every March, we celebrate and commemorate the vital role of women in American history.
Below is a list of some of the best women’s history month activities and events updated for 2022.
You can check out our full list of March activities in Washington DC here.
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month in Washington DC
This section covers our top ten list for Women’s History Month in March 2022.
For more ideas for popular things to do in D.C., check out our posts on walking tours and bus tours of the city.
Women's History Walking Tour
Fiery suffragettes, unconventional first ladies, and rebellious socialites turning up their noses at ladylike behavior, these pioneering women of Washington, D.C., shattered the expectations of a tightly-corseted society.
Explore downtown DC with author & tour guide, Canden, who literally wrote the book on the Wild Women of Washington.
Spots are limited so book now!
Copies of Wild Women of Washington will be available for purchase!
Grab a Drink!
Pay a visit to Republic Restoratives, the first women-owned distillery in D.C.! Started by Pia Carusone, Republic Restoratives is run by women who left the world of politics to get into distilling!
Although the tasting room and tours are closed, you can pick up something to take home daily 11am-5pm.
Attend an event with the DC Public Library
The DC Library has an amazing schedule set for Women’s History Month 2022.
The events cover all age ranges from young kids up to adults - whether it is a Georgia O’Keeffe Art Exploration Kit or Attending a session of the Adult Book Club, they are offering many events this March
Attend a show written by a female playwright
Theatre Washington has a great list of shows across the District and March is packed full of opportunities to support and appreciate women in the arts.
- Daphne's Dive @ Signature Theatre - written by Quiara Alegria Hudes and directed by Paige Hernandez
- AD 16 @ Olney Theatre - book by Bekah Brunstetter (this one is aiming for Broadway, so check out this World Premiere if you can. DC by Foot's own Ghost Guide Melissa will be backstage with the costume department!
- Private @ Mosaic Theatre - written by Mona Pirnot
Volunteer with a female focused nonprofit
There are many organizations in DC focused on helping women. Check out The Women’s Foundation and spend a day continuing the advancement toward equality!
Read books by Female Authors!
We are completely biased but think you should. check out our guides' books - Canden Schwantes and Rebecca Grawl have both written books about Washington DC History!
You can even purchase said books from a women-owned bookstore like the East City Bookshop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Cheer on the Washington Spirit Soccer Team
Playing at Audi Field in DC, you can cheer on our champion women's soccer team, the Washington Spirit.
Explore Georgetown
The oldest neighborhood in D.C. is steeped in women’s history! You can check out one of our Georgetown walking tours, which highlight some of the famous women who have lived in Georgetown and some of the wild women who caused trouble there!
Our own tour guide Canden has published a book on the wicked side of Georgetown history! Wicked Georgetown: Scoundrels, Sinners and Spies and a pictorial history using vintage photographs, Images of Georgetown.
The Colonial Dames of America are headquartered at Dumbarton House, built in 1799 and one of the most historic structures in Georgetown. Since 1891, this women’s organization works to collect, preserve, and share America’s founding and colonial history.
You can also pay a visit to Tudor Place, which was built by Martha Custis Peter, the granddaughter of Martha Washington and remained in the family for the six subsequent generations. It contains one of the largest collections of items belonging to George and Martha Washington outside of Mount Vernon. Tudor Place regularly hosts programs and events highlighting the history of the women who have kept the house going, generation after generation.
The perfect way to finish a women’s history visit to Georgetown? Treat your sweet tooth and support local businesses owned and operated by women! Our favorites include the famous Georgetown Cupcakes and the delicious pies whipped up at Pie Sisters.
Honor Women Who Have Served
There is only one memorial that honors all women, from all branches, from all moments in our history and that’s the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The memorial honors and recognizes the service of military women as well as hosts a museum dedicated to educating the public and empowering future generations with stories of limitless possibilities.
The memorial and museum is closed for renovations.
But you could also take our self-guided tour of the Women Buring in Arlington Cemetery, focusing on notable women who are laid to rest at Arlington.
Learn About The Angel of the Battlefield, Clara Barton
Clara Barton began her career as one of the first women to work in the federal government, in the Patent Office, but found her true calling during the Civil War.
She began to deliver supplies to troops during the war and she used a nondescript building in downtown D.C. as her headquarters for her Missing Soldiers Office, to help families locate men who hadn’t returned.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine operates the museum today, leading visitors on guided tours of Clara Barton’s incredible life and contributions to American history.
You can continue a day of Clara Barton sightseeing by heading out to Glen Echo, Maryland to see the Clara Barton National Historic Site. This building was her home for the last fifteen years of her life and leads guided tours that share the story of her life’s work of helping others.
It is open only for groups of 10+ in March 2022.
Discover the captivating story of Marjorie Merriweather Post
One of the most beautiful sites in D.C. is Hillwood Estate, the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Post purchased the estate in 1955 and turned it into a museum that would inspire and educate the public.
Post was born into the family behind the Post cereal empire and at age 27, became the owner of what would become the General Foods Corporation, making her one of America’s most successful businesswomen.
The Hillwood Estate displays many of the items Post collected in her travels, including decorative arts, furniture, Faberge eggs, and more.
The museum also highlights Post’s role as a businesswoman and philanthropist, including her outreach to veterans in the D.C. area.
The museum is open with safety protocols and timed tickets required.
