The State of Equality
With the national campaign for a women’s suffrage amendment stalled, the thinly populated Wyoming Territory in 1869 became the first democracy in the modern world to recognize a woman’s unqualified right to vote. Colorful frontier characters, a volatile mix of motives, and the caprice of history drive this story of a neglected chapter in America’s past.
Run time: 56 & 20 minutes
Release date: 2020
A Co-Production of Wyoming PBS and Caldera Productions
Director & Writer: Geoff O’Gara
Co-Producer: Sophie Barksdale
SEE THE FILM
2020 Heartland EMMY Nominee
* Best Historical Documentary
* Best Musical Score
SHORT FILM
From the EMMY nominated documentary and as seen on Wyoming PBS, The State of Equality is now available as a 20 minute short that explores how 50 years before the 19th Amendment the West led on women’s suffrage. The film is perfect for events, screenings, classroom use and panels.
ABOUT THE FILM
The State of Equality is a broadcast feature length documentary about women’s suffrage in the U.S. The film is a Co-Production of Wyoming PBS and Caldera Productions and premiered for the 150th anniversary of the passage of the first women’s suffrage law in the U.S. which was in Wyoming. The film was then aired on Wyoming PBS in 2020. Later in 2020 the film was released as a 20 minute short great for classroom and other viewing opportunities. Both versions are great ways to explore the history and key figures behind the movement of women securing their rights to vote.
DIRECTOR, WRITER & PRODUCER
GEOFF O’GARA
CO-PRODUCER
SOPHIE BARKSDALE
Contributors in the film
Renee Laegreid
Univ. of Wyo. Professor of History
Brings the history of women’s suffrage to life through her compelling storytelling.
Elaine Weiss
Author - The Womens Hour
Expert knowledge on the national movement for women’s suffrage and passage of the 19th Amendment.
Allison K. Lange
Author & History Professor
Teaches, speaks and writes about the history of women’s suffrage in the United States.
Jennifer Helton
Historian, Professor & Writer
Teaches and writes about women’s suffrage and women’s rights in the 19th Century American West.
A Co-Production of
