Colorado opens first women's history center

The Center for Colorado Women’s History opened this month at the Byers-Evans House Museum.

The center is the first state museum focused on the past, present and future achievements of Colorado women. Opening during National Women’s History Month, the Center for Colorado Women’s History honors women who are shaping Colorado’s history, community, economy, culture and heritage. The museum focuses on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures, school tours and exhibits that expand the understanding of the history of women in Colorado.

Fun facts about Colorado women’s history include:

• Colorado was the first state in the union to enfranchise women by popular vote.
• In 1894, Colorado became the first state to elect women to the state legislature.
• Before and after statehood, women were critical in building Colorado communities, including schools, libraries and places of worship.
• Today, the gender ratio in Colorado is almost equal, with 100 women to 101 men.
• Today, Colorado ranks ninth in the country for women-owned businesses.

The Byers-Evans House is located at 1310 Bannock St.