Streep pledges $1 million for Women's History Museum

By Jacqueline Trescott

In the midst of passionately arguing why there should be a National Women's History Museum, actress Meryl Streep pledged to give $1 million to the cause. And the project, judging by the enthusiasm of 500 people at its first gala last night, believe the time is right. "Let's Get It Done," was the slogan promoted by speakers, including Sen. Susan Collins, the sponsor of the Senate legislation.

Actress Meryl Streep. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images)

The bill, which doesn't ask for federal funds but does pinpoint a site near the National Mall, is waiting a full vote by the Senate. The museum will be funded privately. A kick-start to the fund-raising was also delivered by Duane Burnham, the former ceo of Abbott, the health care company. He pledged $1 million. Streep said she found it very irritating to ask for permission to build the museum.

"There's no women's history museum in Washington! There is a Postal Museum," said Streep, using some humorous indignation.