Twenty-five years after opening its doors in downtown Laramie, the Wyoming Women’s History House has rededicated its courtyard to U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, Jon Johnson, and Ray Hunkins, three of the institution’s original supporters.
Courtyard and Garden Dedications in Laramie
The Louisa Swain Foundation hosted the rededication ceremony this month to honor the foundational figures who helped establish the site. Wyoming’s congressional delegation attended the event alongside state and local officials, volunteers, and donors.
During the ceremony, the foundation also dedicated two new courtyard gardens. One honors Diana Enzi, wife of the late Sen. Mike Enzi, while the other is dedicated in memory of Bobbi Barrasso, the wife of Sen. John Barrasso.
Together, this courtyard and these gardens reflect the women we celebrate: rooted in Wyoming, built to endure and open to all,
Jennifer Thomson, foundation chair, said in a press release.
Future Renovations and Classroom Outreach
The foundation plans to use community support to expand educational reach across the state. Organizers aim to bring Wyoming women’s history into classrooms through virtual field trips to the Laramie house.
Additional improvement projects focus on the physical property. The foundation intends to renovate the house interior for in-person visitors, update the courtyard irrigation system, and install more drought-tolerant plants.
Plans also include adding a trailblazers timeline along the central walkway. The display will feature more than 20 Wyoming women who have led the way since statehood.
Frequently Asked Questions About the History House
What does the Louisa Swain Foundation plan to build in the courtyard?
The foundation is adding drought-tolerant plants, updating the irrigation system, and installing a trailblazers timeline along the central walkway to feature more than 20 Wyoming women.
Who were the original supporters honored at the rededication?
The courtyard was rededicated to U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, Jon Johnson, and Ray Hunkins for their early support of the institution.
When did the Wyoming Women’s History House open?
The house opened in downtown Laramie 25 years ago to celebrate how the state led the nation in women’s suffrage.
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