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 your 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 2024 summer festivities.

The Wyoming Women’s History House IS OPEN!

Our volunteer docents are here and ready to greet you with our exhibits of Wyoming’s remarkable suffrage history. We spent January and February updating exhibits and handling repairs and special projects. We also focused on our membership campaign and setting the 2025 Sip & Savor History speakers and programming. Check below to see the Spring 2025 Sip & Savor line up

For your planning, our regular touring hours are Monday - Saturday, 11:00 -4:00 p.m. March 1— mid-December

We can also arrange special family or group tours if you call our Executive Director 307-399-9571 or send an email to director@wyomingwomenshistoryhouse.info

Thanks to our faithful donors and volunteers, there is no charge to view our exhibits.

 

Sip ‘n Savor History

Click on the Sip & Savor History in the Events section and you can listen to some of the speakers’ videos

Sip and Savor History events given in 2024:

  • 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 and we are a small space for these popular events.

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.