The National Women’s Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 class of inductees, honoring a diverse group of women whose work has shaped fields ranging from athletics and economics to civil rights and science.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 24 at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, bringing national attention to the Finger Lakes region as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement.
This year’s class includes a mix of contemporary and historical figures. Among the modern inductees are Olympic track and field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Janet Yellen, who has held top leadership roles across the U.S. economic system, including Treasury secretary and Federal Reserve chair.
Other contemporary honorees include Adele Smith Simmons, a longtime higher education leader and philanthropist; S. Mona Sinha, a global advocate for women’s rights; and Judith Viorst, an author known for both children’s literature and psychological works.
The historical class highlights women whose contributions have had lasting impact. Inductees include Harriet Jacobs, an escaped enslaved woman and author; Audre Lorde, a poet and civil rights activist; and Marie Tharp, a pioneering geologist who mapped the ocean floor. Also recognized are Edith Green, a longtime member of Congress known for her role in shaping education policy; Virginia Hall Goillot, a World War II spy; and Dr. Georgeanna Jones, a leader in reproductive medicine.
Hall of Fame officials said the 2026 class reflects a broad legacy of influence across generations and disciplines, with both widely recognized figures and others whose stories are less known but equally significant.
Located in Seneca Falls, the National Women’s Hall of Fame continues to serve as a centerpiece for recognizing women’s contributions to history and society.
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