The Smithsonian Women's Committee (SWC) is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1966 by Mary Ripley, wife of Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley, to advance the interests of the Smithsonian Institution through fundraising activities and special projects. Since it’s founding, the SWC has supported the Smithsonian Institution with grant awards and endowments totaling almost $9 million. Using proceeds from the Smithsonian Craft Show and Craft2Wear, previously titled Smithsonian Trunk Show, through their grant process, the Committee funds education, research, conservation, and outreach programs within the Smithsonian complex of 19 museums, scientific facilities and the National Zoo.

The committee's first fundraiser was a Holiday Dance, a successful venture held annually from 1971 through 1995. The committee's second and ultimately most important fundraiser - the annual Smithsonian Craft Show - made its debut in 1983 and was an instant, if somewhat surprising, success. Washingtonians were not accustomed to craft exhibitions or to collecting crafts. The Committee’s newest event is Craft2Wear, begun in 2006 as the Smithsonian Trunk Show, is a fall show and sale of jewelry and wearable art featuring exhibitors who have been previously juried into the Smithsonian Craft Show.

The Smithsonian Craft Show has established its reputation as the nation's premier juried exhibition and sale of American crafts. Each year a new team of three expert jurors brings a fresh perspective to the Show. No artist is "invited" back, and all previous exhibitors must reapply. Each year the Show is a new, different, and always exciting presentation of excellence in American crafts.

The Smithsonian Women’s Committee continues to build on past success and look to the future. Yearly evaluations of the Committee’s goals and objectives will generate new ideas, refine existing goals and keep the SWC a vibrant, effective committee. Smithsonian Women’s Committee President, Anne Keiser notes, & "Last year, under the direction of Secretary G. Wayne Clough, a thoughtful new strategic plan was developed for the Smithsonian, focusing on "Four Grand Challenges" for the Institution. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee looks forward to working with the Secretary to align our mission and goals with the purposes set forth in the new plan which will greatly strengthen all areas of the Smithsonian."