Horace Mann Partners with Smithsonian to Deliver Women’s History and Financial Literacy Resources to Educators Nationwide

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – MARCH 16, 2026 – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Horace Mann is partnering with the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum “We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence,” a national oral history initiative. The project honors the women who have advanced women’s financial independence and provides teachers with meaningful resources to bring those stories to life.

At a time when educators are being asked to do more with limited time and resources, “We Do Declare” offers engaging stories that connect history, leadership, and financial literacy and help translate past progress to future possibility.

“We’re proud to stand alongside the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum to spotlight the women who have shaped financial independence,” said Katie Hamilton, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at Horace Mann. “By sharing these stories and resources, we hope to equip educators and women with the tools, curiosity, and confidence to shape their own financial futures.”

The initiative will include stories of women across generations and geographies. Together, Horace Mann and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum are committed to honoring women’s history while equipping educators with practical tools that foster confidence, leadership, and financial empowerment in the next generation.

“Oral histories allow us to capture not just what changed, but how it felt to live through those changes,” said Rachel Seidman, historian and curator for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. “I hope these stories inspire the next generation to continue to learn about the women who have shaped America and worked tirelessly for a better future for all.”

Founded by educators for educators, Horace Mann supports teachers with tools and resources that inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Explore the series and join us in helping women declare what’s possible for their future: https://womenshistory.si.edu/we-do-declare.

About the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum expands the story of America through the often-untold accounts and accomplishments of women—individually and collectively—to better understand our past and inspire our future. Through new scholarship and innovative exhibitions and online experiences, storytelling and participation, the museum inspires the next generation. The legislation creating the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum passed Dec. 27, 2020, and the museum is working with Congress to finalize a site for the physical building on the National Mall, even as it continues to advance history, education and scholarship.