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A Place of Their Own

By Ritu Upadhyay

Old objects and images show how women were viewed in the past.

Imagine having Lucille Ball, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt and Oprah Winfrey all under one roof! The first ever national women's history museum opens this week in Dallas, Texas. It brings to life the stories and achievements of 3,000 amazing American women.

From Lucy's early stand-up routines to Helen Keller's inspirational speeches, the Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future features more than 20 high-tech exhibits covering women in every field including sports, entertainment, science and literature. "It's not your grandmother's museum, although your grandmother may be in it," says museum president Cathy Bonner. "This is very much a museum of the future."

An electronic "quilt" flashes images of American female achievers.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a 35-foot-high electronic "quilt" made up of flashing photos, quotes and videotaped clips of famous women. Visitors are led through exhibits, including "Funny Women" and "Mothers of Invention," by celebrity guides whose voices can be heard over a wireless phone.

Not only does the museum honor women of the past and present, it also helps create future achievers. The "Career Scoreboard" exhibit lets young people explore different career paths using a computer that analyzes personal interests.

"The museum is great because it's so hands-on," says Alvanetta Herring, 13, who got a sneak peek. "In most other museums, you just walk around and look-but don't touch."

In addition, the museum runs Girlstart, a program that encourages young women to consider working in math, science and computer technology. Says Bonner: "We want to get the next generation inspired by the past and excited about using the technology of the future."

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