The Louisa Swain Foundation

The Louisa Swain Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supported by tax deductible contributions of donors who recognize the need to promote and preserve the concepts of democracy, human rights, suffrage, justice, community, courage and strength of character.

The Foundation is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage and history of the world's first democratically cast electoral ballot by a woman, Louisa Swain, on September 6, 1870.  The Foundation is also dedicated to fostering education in the areas of democracy, human rights and suffrage.  The Foundation will recognize those who, through their actions or accomplishments, display the qualities of community, courage and strength of character as exhibited by Louisa Swain when she cast her historic ballot.

These concepts and qualities are exemplified in the history of Louisa Swain and three other Wyoming women who made world history in 1870. It was in that year in Wyoming when in addition to Louisa Swain's historic vote the first woman served on a jury (Eliza Stewart), the first woman served as a bailiff (Matha Symons Boies) and the first woman served in a judicial position (Esther Hobart Morris).

To memorialize the significance of these world FIRSTS, The Louisa Swain Foundation constructed the Wyoming House for Historic Women.  This memorial displays the history of these women with galleries for the recognition of others who have been honored for historically significant achievements.

The Louisa Swain Foundation was established in 2001 (as the Laramie Foundation) and is governed by a Board of Directors composed of members from throughout the nation.

Contributions are greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible.  They may be sent and made payable to The Louisa Swain Foundation, Post Office Box 1960, Laramie, Wyoming 82073.  For further information on how to contribute contact Executive Director, Weldon Tuck, wtuck@thelouisaswainfoundation.com.

Board of Directors

Ray Hunkins, Chair
Neil Tremblay, California
Diana Enzi, Wyoming
Jon Johnson, Wyoming
Brandon Kirkham, District of Columbia
Rita Meyer, Wyoming
Sandra Rohde, Nebraska
Bill Scholz, Connecticut
Emory Spiegelberg, Wyoming
G.F. Williamson, Wyoming
Jon Wood, Maryland

Weldon Tuck, Executive Director

Wyoming Honorary Committee

Dave Freudenthal, Governor
Mike Enzi, U.S. Senator
John Barrasso, U.S. Senator
Cynthia Lummis, U.S. Representative
Max Maxfield, Secretary of State
Rita Meyer, State Auditor
Joe Meyer, State Treasurer
Mike Sullivan, Former Governor
Jim Geringer, Former Governor
Barbara Cubin, Former U.S. Reprsentative