Lunchbox Lecture: Votes for Women: The U.S. and Nebraska Campaigns for Suffrage

Dr. Dianne Bystrom explores the long and determined fight for women’s voting rights in Nebraska—tracing Nebraska’s suffrage movement from its beginnings in 1856 through its setbacks and ultimate successes, placing the state’s experience within the broader national struggle for women’s equality at the ballot box. Dr. Bystrom is director emerita of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University. She directed the center for 22 years before retiring in August 2018. Dr. Bystrom has contributed to 26 books and written journal articles on women and politics, youth voters, and the Iowa caucus. Dr. Bystrom currently serves on the communications committee for the League of Women Voters of Nebraska. Part of the Nebraska State Historical Society's Lunchbox Lecture Series, originally presented March 17, 2026 at the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. The recording of this video was made possible by LNKTV and the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.