Suffrage and Stories of Utah Women
Digital Archives
About the Collection
The year 2020 is an especially important anniversary for women’s suffrage in Utah. It marks the 100th anniversary of nation wide suffrage and 150 years of Utah woman suffrage. Along with the records that document the legislative history, the Utah State Archives will also be sharing stories of underrepresented and minority women and others who still needed to strive for equality in professions, public service, and social life.
Lieutenant Governor Legislative bills
This series documents the concluding stages of the legislative process. The series contains the final copies of legislative bills, memorials, and resolutions. Featuring “1917 Session: House Joint Memorial No. 6, signed,” “1919 Session: Senate Joint Memorial No. 1, passed unanimously,” “True copy of resolution of Congress Joint Resolution Proposing an amendment to the Constitution extending the right of suffrage to women,” and “Letter from Governor transmitting Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 to United States Secretary of State”
Legislature. Senate Working bills
This series documents the legislative process in the Utah Senate. The working copy includes the bill as introduced and any amendments made to it. Featuring “Full, true and correct copy of Joint Resolution of Congress by Utah Secretary of State with seal” and “1919 Special: Joint Resolution No. 1 text”
Governor (1909-1917 : Spry) Correspondence
An account of the primary activities of Governor Spry's two terms in office have been preserved in this series. As chief executive of the state, the correspondence reflects his involvement in a wide range of important administrative matters. Featuring “1916; Womens' Suffrage”
Legislative Assembly erritorial legislative records
The Territorial Assembly was responsible for creating laws to govern the territory and these records contain the acts, bills, resolutions, memorials, and petitions of the Assembly. Featuring "Act conferring upon women the elective franchise" in 1870 Acts and Bills
Lieutenant Governor Election papers
The election papers reflect the territorial secretary's, and then the secretary of state's, duties in preparing for elections of government officials and votes on referenda, initiatives, constitutional amendments, and bond issues. The papers also record results of these elections and document appointments of officials in the absence of an election. Featuring "1896 Election Financial Disclosure for Martha Hughes Cannon"
Legislature. House of Representatives Working bills
This series documents the legislative process in the House of Representatives. The series contains the working copies of House bills, claims, petitions, memorials, and resolutions. The working copy includes the bill as introduced and any amendments made to it; the bill's progress through committees and votes is logged at the end of the bill. Featuring “Bill back for 1917 Session: Joint Memorial No. 6”
Legislature Laws of Utah
After each regular and special session of the state legislature or the territorial assembly, the laws that were passed were compiled and published as the Laws of Utah. Featuring "An Act Conferring upon Women the Elective Franchise" from Page 8 of the 1870 19th session
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Online Exhibit
Full narrative timeline for "Suffrage and the Stories of Utah Women." Also includes section for Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon.
Blog Series
Over fifteen profiles of women from Utah's history written by Maren Peterson for the 2020 anniversary.
Utah Women's History
Explore the stories of women who shaped Utah's history by Better Days.