Washington, D.C. - The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is pleased to announce that today the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1700, also known as The National Women’s History Museum Act of 2009.

This legislation is the first critical step, to be followed by action in the U.S. Senate, that will allow NWHM to purchase federal land at 12th and Independence upon which to build a World Class National Women’s History Museum.

“For the first time in our Nation’s history, it appears Women will finally have a front row seat on our National Mall!” said Joan Bradley Wages, President & CEO of NWHM.

“We want to especially thank Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY 14) for her leadership as our chief sponsor in initiating and guiding this bill through Congress,” Ms. Wages continued.

“There are museums for stamps and spies, for news and for poetry–but today’s action by the House means women are on our way toward a ‘museum of our own’. What women have contributed to the building of our country is a story long overdue for the telling,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

The mission of NWHM is to gather and chronicle the amazing history, heretofore untold and/or under represented in our Nation’s Capital, of women’s role in helping build our Nation and our society. The Museum’s organizers promise all Americans will be surprised and delighted at what NWHM can and will teach them and future generations about the accomplishments and stories of women who, individually and collectively, have woven our nation’s fabric. “Prepare to be amazed…” Ms. Wages added.