Wyoming House for Historic Women facts for kids

The Wyoming House For Historic Women is a special museum in downtown Laramie, Wyoming. It celebrates the amazing things 13 women from Wyoming have done. This museum was started by the Louisa Swain Foundation. This foundation honors Louisa Swain, who was the first woman in the United States to vote in a general election. She voted on September 6, 1870, right there in Laramie. The museum opened its doors in 2012. The Wyoming State Historical Society says Louisa Swain was "the first woman in the world to cast a ballot under laws giving women and men equal voting rights."

Outside the museum, you'll find the Johnson Lummis Hunkins Plaza. A statue honoring Louisa Swain was placed here in 2005. The statue is called "The Franchise" and was made by John D. Baker.

About the Wyoming Women's History House

The Wyoming House For Historic Women, also known as the Wyoming Women's History House, is a museum dedicated to sharing the stories of important women from Wyoming. It helps visitors learn about their achievements and how they helped shape history. The museum focuses on women who made a big difference in areas like voting rights, law, and government.

Celebrating Amazing Wyoming Women

The museum highlights the lives and achievements of 13 remarkable women. Each of these women broke new ground or achieved something important for their time. Learning about them helps us understand how women have contributed to Wyoming and the United States.

Here are some of the women honored at the museum:

• Louisa Gardner Swain: She made history in 1870 by being the first woman in the United States to vote in a general election. This was a huge step for women's rights.
• Eliza Stewart: In 1870, Eliza was the first woman in America chosen to serve on a jury. This meant women could help decide legal cases.
• Martha Symons Boies Atkinson: Martha became the first female bailiff in the United States in 1870. A bailiff helps keep order in a courtroom.
• Lynne Cheney: She is known as the wife of Vice President Dick Cheney. She is also an author and a scholar.
• Barbara Cubin: Barbara was the first woman to represent Wyoming in the United States Congress. She started serving in 1995.
• Verda James: Verda was the first woman to serve a full term as the Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives. The Speaker leads the discussions and work in the state's House of Representatives.
• Marilyn S. Kite: In 2010, Marilyn became the first female Chief Justice on the Wyoming Supreme Court. This is the highest judge position in the state.
• April Brimmer Kunz: April was the first female President of the Wyoming Senate. She held this important leadership role from 2003 to 2005.
• All Woman Council of Jackson: In 1920, the town of Jackson, Wyoming, elected an all-woman city government. This included the mayor and town council members, who then appointed other women to roles like town marshal and treasurer.
• Anna Edith Miller: Anna was the first woman to be officially licensed as a nurse in Wyoming. She received her license in 1909.
• Esther Hobart Morris: Esther was the first female justice of the peace in the United States in 1870. A justice of the peace handles minor legal cases and public duties.
• Estelle Reel: Estelle was the first woman elected to a statewide public office in Wyoming. She was elected as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1895.
• Nellie Tayloe Ross: Nellie became a Governor and was also the first female Director of the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint makes all the coins for the country.