Democracy extended dramatically in Idaho in 1896 when the State Supreme Court confirmed the passage of a state constitutional amendment extending suffrage to women. Twenty-four years later, the U.S. Congress extended this right nationally with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Between 1870 and 1920, Idaho women fought hard for this civil liberty, and while these legislative actions prescribed universal voting rights, many women of color remained disenfranchised through the 1960s. This year, the Idaho Women 100 initiative commemorates this historic struggle.
The efforts of Idaho women to secure these constitutional amendments illustrate persistence, perseverance, and determination. This exhibit highlights these characteristics and features original items from the collections of the Idaho State Archives. Together, these artifacts, documents, and photographs tell the story of Idaho’s suffrage history and celebrate the courageous women leaders of Idaho’s past.
A digital exhibit featuring content from Leading the Way: Idaho Women and the Vote is available.