The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum has introduced a new augmented reality experience, Unhidden Heroines, bringing five influential women into view across the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Beginning June 18, visitors can use a smartphone or computer to explore virtual monuments dedicated to Julia Ward Howe, Polly Cooper, Mary Katharine Goddard, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, and Dorothy Height. Each digital figure is paired with an existing landmark, creating a layered historical journey that connects their achievements with familiar national symbols.
The experience combines illustration, location-based storytelling, and QR code access to offer both on-site and remote engagement. A non-interactive version is also available, expanding access for audiences beyond Washington, D.C. Through the project, users can learn how these women shaped literature, publishing, intelligence, activism, and the nation's broader cultural memory.
Established by Congress in 2020, the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum continues to build toward a permanent home while developing digital formats that broaden public access. Unhidden Heroines will remain available through Dec. 31, marking the United States' 250th anniversary year. This kind of immersive storytelling may help define how museums connect history with future audiences.
