Our Missouri Explores Women's Suffrage in Missouri

One hundred years ago, Missourians awaited news regarding the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The state had approved the amendment, which prohibited the federal government and states from denying a citizen the right to vote based upon sex, a year prior, in 1919. However, it would take another year before Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the new constitutional amendment in August 1920.

As we consider the centennial of women's suffrage, Our Missouri invites listeners to join us as we explore the fight for the vote through the eyes of a group of "Show-Me Suffragists" who are not as well-known in Missouri History.

Alma Nash & the Maryville Milieu

Host Sean Rost talks with guest Elyssa Ford about Alma Nash and how Maryville's Missouri Ladies Military Band became key participants in the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession.

The Clark Family

Join us for an examination of the Clark Family with guest Ethan Colbert and learn how discussions of suffrage in their home eventually made it to the halls of Congress.

Carrie Lee Carter Stokes

Guest Janet Olson explores the life of Carrie Lee Carter Stokes and explains how the Dexter, Missouri schoolteacher rose to become a prominent leader in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Missouri Equal Suffrage Association.

Voda Curtis: Suffrage & Civil Rights

Focusing on the life of Voda "Bea" Hardy Curtis and documenting the path of her family from slavery to suffrage, this episode also features audio clips from Voda Curtis' 1977 oral history as well as final thoughts from past oral history interns–Cydney Smith, Cassie Draudt, and Keely Doll–who conducted research on Voda Curtis' life.

Hosted by Sean Rost, the Our Missouri Podcast is recorded at the Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia and is currently being recorded remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Missouri is freely provided by the State Historical Society of Missouri with new episodes twice a month.

Our Missouri is made possible because of Society members, donors, and supporters like you. Thank you.