On Sept. 6, 1870, a Wyoming woman made history.

Seventy-year-old Louisa Ann Swain cast her vote in Laramie and became known as one of the first women to cast a ballot legally in the fight for women's suffrage.

Her story is just one of many featured by the Smithsonian as the great American historical and educational institution moves toward building a new museum dedicated to American women.

The Smithsonian has announced that more than $55 million has already been raised to support the museum’s development from private donations and supporters such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Target and AARP.

Wyoming leaders gathered in Jackson last week to make sure Wyoming has a prominent voice in the museum and is recognized for its historic support of women.

“We obviously a

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