When Joan Wages, President of the National Women’s History Museum, was successful at moving the Suffrage statue to the Capitol rotunda from the depths of the basement, it served as a metaphor for women’s history. She wanted to bring the accomplishments and contributions of women into the light and placed in full view for all to see and learn.

Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum, a private organization, is currently an online resource offering a cyber museum and exhibits ranging from the suffrage movement to women in World War II. But for the past 12 years, the NWHM has been trying to find a permanent, physical home to house numerous documents, records and archives that highlight these accomplishments.

NWHM has always wanted to be located on or near the National Mall and has pursued two prime locations in the past. “[This is] a city of symbols. We believe that women’s accomplishments and contributions should be at the heart of the nation’s capital.” Wages said.

In 2005 the museum pursued the annex of the old Post Office building at 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW and in 2007, they went after the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building. But these past attempts have fallen through.

Today, they have their eye on a particular parcel of land at the corner of 12th St. and Independence Ave. SW, next to the Department of Energy. Since this space is federal property and close to the National Mall, legislation is required to direct the General Services Administration to sell the property at fair market value.