As we commemorate Women’s History Month, join us for March’s Lunchbox Lecture featuring Dr. Dianne Bystrom, who will explore the long and determined fight for women’s voting rights in Nebraska.
The 72-year campaign for women’s suffrage in the United States culminated in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, ensuring that voting rights could not be denied on the basis of sex. Nebraska played a significant—if complex—role in this national story. Although the Nebraska Legislature ratified the amendment on August 2, 1919, this victory followed more than six decades of rallies, petition drives, and repeated defeats in efforts that, if successful, would have made Nebraska the first territory and later the first state to grant women the right to vote. Instead, that distinction ultimately went to Wyoming.
Dr. Bystrom’s presentation traces Nebraska’s suffrage movement from its beginnings in 1856 through its setbacks and ultimate successes, placing the state’s experience within the broader national struggle for women’s equality at the ballot box.
Event admission is free. LNKTV will record the lecture and make it available to the public.
Special thanks to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation for providing funding for this event and the recording to broadcast on LNKTV.
About Dr. Dianne Bystrom
Bystrom is director emerita of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University. She directed the center for 22 years before retiring in August 2018. Dr. Bystrom has contributed to 26 books and written journal articles on women and politics, youth voters, and the Iowa caucus. Dr. Bystrom currently serves on the communications committee for the League of Women Voters of Nebraska. Dr. Bystrom earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kearney (NE) State College and a master’s degree in journalism, as well as a Ph.D. in communication, all from the University of Oklahoma.
