Pelosi donating former Speaker’s gavel to Smithsonian

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is donating a gavel given to her as the first woman Speaker to the Smithsonian.

The California Democrat will take part in a ceremony next Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

{mosads}In addition to the lacquered-maple gavel, the 77-year-old Pelosi will also donate a burgundy pantsuit she wore to her swearing in and a copy of the original speech she delivered on Jan. 4, 2007.

Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton is also poised to announce at the event the launch of an American women’s history initiative by the institution, the Smithsonian said Wednesday.

Other VIPs expected to attend the ceremony include Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), and “PBS NewsHour” co-anchor Judy Woodruff.