The National Women’s Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class of inductees, honoring women whose contributions have had a lasting impact across fields including athletics, public service, science, literature, and social justice.
The inductees will be formally recognized during an induction ceremony scheduled for September 24 at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester.
Located in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, the Hall of Fame celebrates women whose leadership and achievements have helped shape American history. Officials say this year’s class reflects a wide range of disciplines and accomplishments.
“This class represents women whose work continues to shape the world today,” said Executive Director Kristen Oehlrich, noting the importance of sharing their stories and preserving their impact.
2026 Inductees
The 2026 class includes both contemporary honorees and historical inductees:
Contemporary Honorees:
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee — Olympic medalist and record-setting track and field athlete
- Adele Smith Simmons — Former president of Hampshire College and the MacArthur Foundation
- S. Mona Sinha — Global advocate for gender equality
- Judith Viorst — Acclaimed writer of children’s and adult literature
- Janet Yellen — Former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Federal Reserve Chair
Historical Inductees:
- Edith S. Green — Influential figure in federal education policy
- Virginia Hall Goillot — Resistance operative in Nazi-occupied France
- Harriet Jacobs — Formerly enslaved writer and activist
- Georgeanna Emory Seegar Jones — Pioneer in in-vitro fertilization
- Audre Lorde — Influential voice in feminist and civil rights movements
- Marie Tharp — Oceanographic cartographer who advanced plate tectonics research
Officials say the Hall of Fame’s mission is to elevate women’s voices and inspire future generations through education and recognition of achievements.
Additional details about the ceremony, including ticket information and related events, are expected to be released in the coming months.
