Congressman Morelle and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support National Women's Hall of Fame

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle led a group of colleagues in announcing the reintroduction of the National Women's Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation directs the production of a commemorative coin, the proceeds of which will go towards an endowment fund to provide long-term financing for the National Women's Hall of Fame's operations.

"International Women's Day is a time to honor the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of women to our society, and that's exactly what the National Women's Hall of Fame seeks to do," said Rep. Morelle. "This legislation will help ensure the longevity of this iconic historical landmark so that the remarkable women it celebrates will continue to inspire future generations. I'm proud to introduce this important bill and look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure its swift passage."

"We are thrilled to partner with our representatives to advance the National Women's Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act of 2021," said Betsy Wayne Fanetone, co-president of the National Women's Hall of Fame. "This coin bill endorses the significant contribution of Seneca Falls and our region in recognizing the invaluable contributions of women to American progress. Funding from this initiative will allow the National Women's Hall of Fame to create a lasting legacy elevating women of the past, present, and future. We are eager to get congressional approval to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the historic 1848 Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention."

The National Women's Hall of Fame, located in Seneca Falls, NY, is the nation's oldest membership organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of extraordinary American women. This legislation directs the Treasury Department to mint no more than 50,000 commemorative $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, 100,000 $1 proof silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins. After deducting Treasury's production and overhead costs, the remaining proceeds will go to the National Women's Hall of Fame Foundation to establish an endowment fund that will provide long-term financing for the National Women's Hall of Fame's operations.

The legislation is also led by Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI-4), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), and Grace Meng (D-NY-6) as well as Senator Kirstin Gillibrand.

"When we know our history, and whose shoulders we stand on, we are empowered to make history ourselves," said Rep. Gwen Moore. "That's why I am thrilled to champion this legislation, which will create commemorative coins that help sustain the National Women's Hall of Fame, guaranteeing it can be cherished by the next generations."

"The National Women's Hall of Fame is a national treasure and educational institution that we are proud to support," said Rep. Tom Reed. "We care about making sure women's contributions to American society are fairly recognized and celebrated. The National Women's Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act is a bipartisan effort to ensure the Hall of Fame has the resources it deserves to continue their important work."

"The Women's Hall of Fame is critical to ensuring that the stories of women are told for generations to come," said Rep. Grace Meng. "I'm proud to join Representatives Morelle, Moore, and Reed during Women's History Month to this bipartisan legislation that would create a commemorative coin to help protect the museum's longevity. We owe it to future generations of women and girls to memorialize the achievements of past trailblazes and pioneers, and the tremendous impacts that they had on our nation. I look forward to this critical bill becoming law."

"As a member of the Hall of Fame I am thrilled to support my friend Rep. Morelle's bill which celebrates the 175th anniversary of The Women's Rights Convention that changed all our lives," said Dr. Donna Shalala, 2011 National Women's Hall of Fame Inductee, former Secretary of Health and Human services, and former member of the United States House of Representatives.

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