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.
Visit the Wyoming Women’s History House to explore how Wyoming led the way in women’s suffrage.
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, if you arrange for a personalized tour during this winter season when we are closed.
Please note:
We will have a new Executive Director as our touring season starts again March 1, 2026. Our current ED will remain as a helpful consultant so that our popular LSF programming and community interactions can continue.
Wyoming Women’s History House
317 S. 2nd Street
Historic Downtown Laramie
is currently closed to regular tours until March 1, 2026
You can arrange special family, group or student tours by calling our Executive Director 307-399-9571 or sending an email to director@wyomingwomenshistoryhouse.info
Thanks to our faithful donors and volunteers, there is no charge to view our exhibits.
Our Holiday Open House was a great success on Saturday , December 13th. Thank you to Jennifer Lyford and her talented orchestral students for giving their talents in the morning and to Mike Bork and The Melodees for lively, traditional carols in the afternoon. You brought great joy to our charming history house and sent us off with a good dose of cheer for the holidays. And Santa: you were a great, generous charmer, as always.
Happy 2026 TO ALL!
Sip ‘n Savor History Events
Click on the Sip & Savor History in the Events section and you can listen to some of past speakers.
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 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.
The flyer above was from this past September’s reenactment event. Each year, on the Saturday closest to the anniversary date of Louisa’s historic September 6, 1870 vote on equal terms with men, we hold a gathering in the Wyoming Women’s History House courtyard. Refreshments and inspiring presentations herald the reenactment to commemorate Louisa’s very special action, a very important “first” in the suffrage movement.
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!
