Visit the Wyoming Women’s History House to explore how Wyoming led the way in women’s suffrage.

Uncover the history of Wyoming’s pioneering women and celebrate historic firsts that happened right here in Wyoming! Our exhibits showcase stories of the first woman to vote in a general election on equal terms with men; the first woman to serve as a justice of the peace, and first women to sit on a jury, to name a few.

The Women’s History House also honors 20th Century Firsts, like the first woman governor in the nation, first woman to sit as a representative alongside men in Wyoming's Legislature, and first woman of color as a representative in Wyoming’s Legislature. We promise your visit will be impressive as you learn about these ordinary women who achieved extraordinary things.

The visitor-friendly exhibits and nifty gift shop can be enjoyed at your own pace. Or, you can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Louisa Swain's historic vote and the broader impact of Wyoming's Suffrage Act with our knowledgable docents, who will greet you upon arrival.

Above: Visitors from Canada learned local history with Laramie’s Senior Theatre troupe.

Above: Even youngest girls enjoyed the patriotic exhibits and candies offered during summer festivities.

To learn more about Sip ‘n Savor click on the words above in blue

Check Out the 2024 Line Up Below

The following is the lineup of our Sip and Savor History events already given throughout this year. Our next goal is to get these just a click away from this website for your viewing. We have students ready to help us get that going. Thanks for your patience.

  • March 13th was Professor Emerita Donna Marburger with “Bikes, Bloomers and Basketball!”

  • April 10th Historian Judy Knight gave great insight to “Laramie’s Historic Homes.”

  • May 15th WY State Archivist, Suzi Taylor, brought us “Hattie Durbin’s 1877 Stagecoach Ride”

  • JUNE 12th, Dr. Carol Frost, a favorite presenter and knowledgeable University of Wyoming Geology professor, told us about Kay Fowler-Billings, Wyoming’s 1st woman geologist.

  • JULY 10th, Wyoming’s statehood day, with Marilyn Kite, the 1st woman to sit on Wyoming’s Supreme Court and 1st woman to hold the position of Wyoming’s Chief Justice, gave us insight to that important experience.

  • August 14th, Author & Historian, Kim Viner gave us great insight to the life and times of Stephen W. Downey, considered the Father of the University of Wyoming and one of the attorneys at that very first trial where women served.

Sip and Savor Social Hours begin at 4:00 p.m. with doors open for attendees at 3:45. Our speakers take the podium at 4:30.

Seating is first come, first served in the Women’s History House at the present time since there is no cost to attend these special events and we are a very small space for these popular events.

Apologies for the construction around us. Our doors and gates are still open and we have docents to welcome you Monday through Saturday, 11:00 to 4:00. Come see us!

Range Leather, our neighbors to the north, are making exciting changes as they expand our way. It is going to be more dynamic revitalization of our impressive downtown Laramie.

On September 6, 1870, Louisa Gardner Swain made history as the first woman globally to vote with equal rights.

The Wyoming Suffrage Act of December 10, 1869 granted this right, distinguishing Wyoming from other places where voting was conditional. The Wyoming Territory granted suffrage to all citizens, regardless of their status. The Wyoming Women’s History House celebrates not just Louisa's achievement but also honors other Wyoming women empowered by this historic Act.

With the passage of Wyoming's Suffrage Act of Dec. 10. 1869, ALL women, regardless of status had the right to vote, hold property and public office.

With the passage of Wyoming's Suffrage Act of Dec. 10. 1869, ALL women, regardless of status had the right to vote, hold property and public office.

Eliza Stewart, first woman in the world asked to sit on a jury, March 1870 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Eliza Stewart, first woman in the world asked to sit on a jury, March 1870 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Mary Godat Bellamy, first woman to sit as a representative alongside men in Wyoming's Legislature

Mary Godat Bellamy, first woman to sit as a representative alongside men in Wyoming's Legislature

Martha Boies, first woman bailiff in the world, asked to the position when Wyoming sat the first women on a jury, March 7, 1870.

Martha Boies, first woman bailiff in the world, asked to the position when Wyoming sat the first women on a jury, March 7, 1870.

Nellie Tayloe Ross, first woman governor in the world. Governor of the State of Wyoming.

Nellie Tayloe Ross, first woman governor in the world. Governor of the State of Wyoming.

Empowering Female Firsts

Empowering female firsts both big and small from the first ever woman to vote in the world to the first woman to go to college in her family.