Lisa Fthenakis

In 1974, women joined the Smithsonian security force and they have been rising through the ranks ever since.

Twenty-nine years ago yesterday the National Museum of the American Indian Act was signed and the Museum of the American Indian became part of the Smithsonian family.

Amina Dickerson, Director of Education at the National Museum of African Art, 1974 to 1982, established African Heritage Month at the Smithsonian and led work to make the museum educational programs more accessible. #Groundbreaker

Biologist and primate keeper, Melanie R. Bond, was the first woman gorilla keeper at the National Zoo and co-authored the "Orangutan (Pongo) Care Manual" for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. #Groundbreaker

Lisa Stevens, National Zoological Park, was senior curator for mammals and managed all aspects of the giant panda program. In over thirty years at the Zoo she worked with more than thirty different species. #Groundbreaker

Dr. Helen James, Curator of Birds, National Museum of Natural History, studies fossil evidence of birds and developed ways to use modern techniques, such as carbon dating, to understand evolutionary and ecological context. #Groundbreaker

Curator Dr. Karen Milbourne, National Museum of African Art, studies the arts of western Zambia and contemporary African art. Her exhibition "Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts" won an AAMC Excellence in Exhibitions award. #Groundbreaker

Learn more about Secretary Robert Adams through his oral histories, which are newly available for research.

Marie C. Malaro was a lawyer in the Smithsonian's Office of General Counsel and published two landmark books on ethics and legal issues facing museums. #Groundbreaker

Amy Henderson, Curator Emerita at the National Portrait Gallery, studies the lively arts and celebrity culture; writing books and exhibits on Elvis Presley, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Graham, and pioneers in early broadcasting. #Groundbreaker