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. Come learn about these ordinary women who achieved extraordinary things.
Wyoming Women’s History House
317 South 2nd Street
Historic Downtown Laramie
WE’RE OPEN:
Monday-Saturday
11:00 to 4:00
Thanks to our faithful donors and volunteers, there is no charge to view our exhibits.
Contact us to arrange special family, group or student tours at 307-760-0929 or director@wyomingwomenshistoryhouse.org
The Wyoming Women’s History House is proud to host a series of workshops where you get to make art with the women artists featured in our exhibit, Material Connections: Wyoming Women in Art.
Workshops will be held at the Wyoming Women’s History House, 317 South Second Street in Historic Downtown Laramie.
All supplies will be provided.
Registration is required.
Space is limited to ensure you have time to work with the artist.
Cost is $25 per person for each workshop.
Make art with the artists from Material Connections: Wyoming Women in Art
Friday, July 24 * 4-6 pm
Mini-Quilt! Hand Quilted Sampler with artist Sadie Clarendon
Participants will create a 6x6 inch mini-quilt, using traditional hand-sewing patterns and techniques to stitch together a top, batting, bottom, and binding into a mini-quilt wall hanging (or potholder). All supplies provided. All levels are welcome. We ask children to be accompanied by a supportive adult.
Workshop Series:
Saturday, August 1 * 9-11 am
Listening Hollows: Transforming Empty Spaces Workshop with artist Ashley Hope Carlisle
A hands-on, creativity-first workshop inspired by Ashley Hope Carlisle’s Listening Hollows, where participants transform discarded containers and found materials into sculptural wall-mounted artworks. Through layering, assembling, and embellishing recycled objects, each person creates a personal “hollow” — a space meant to hold a memory, story, hope, or question. The session celebrates exploration over expertise, welcoming all skill levels and encouraging participants to discover meaning within overlooked materials. Participants will leave with a wall-mounted artwork and a new perspective on the stories hidden within ordinary materials.
Friday, August 14 * 4-6 pm
Fun with Folded Paper Fidgets and Simple Book Forms with artist Katie Christensen
Explore the art of the fold with this fun, interactive workshop. Join bookartist and printmaker Katie Christensen as we explore different types of folds. From there, learn to make paper toys and fidgets that can be used for a variety of purposes as well as simple book structures. No experience necessary. Ages 10+
Saturday, August 15 * 9-11 am
Make a Mini Mural with artist Cassidy Post
Participants will create their own mini mural inspired by Cassidy Post's new mural at the Wyoming Women's History House using acrylic paints on a vintage brick. No experience necessary. Ages 10+
Saturday, September 5 * 9-11 am
Collage: Life in Layers with artist Tawni Shuler
In this workshop artists will experiment with a variety of collage materials such as old drawings, journals, sketchbooks, fabric, craft paper, photographs, greeting cards, markers, charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, etc. to create a layered and complex mixed-media drawing. Students will create a finished mixed-media drawing with a focus on texture: actual, simulated and invented to reflect upon what ideas of home, landscape and belonging. No experience necessary. Supplies provided, but if you have old drawings for reuse or your favorite art making materials, please bring them. Ages 13+
On September 6, 1870, Louisa Gardner Swain made history as the first woman globally to vote with rights equal to men.
The Wyoming Suffrage Act of December 10, 1869 granted this right, distinguishing Wyoming from other places where voting was often conditional. The Wyoming Territory granted suffrage to all citizens, regardless of their sex or status. The Wyoming Women’s History House celebrates not just Louisa's achievement but also honors the 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.
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
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.
Empowering Female Firsts
Encouraging female firsts always—from the first woman in the world to vote on equal terms with men, right here in Wyoming, to the women in STEM programs at universities across the nation. We love the philosophy we nurture here!
