Nevada History: On The GO! – “Undismayed by Any Mere Man”: The Accomplishments of Nevada’s Female Lawmakers, 1919–1959 (Off-site, SVL)

April 4, 2026, 1 – 2:30 pm
Speaker: Dr. Dana Bennett, historian

In 1914, when Nevada women won the right to vote, they also won the right to hold public office. Four years later, Sadie Hurst of Reno became the first woman to win a seat in the Nevada Legislature, blazing the trail for 20 additional women who served in that lawmaking body over the next 40 years. These 21 legislators represented both major political parties, hailed from nearly every county in the state, and reflected a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds. This presentation will introduce these remarkable Nevadans, describe their legislative experiences, and explore their enduring contributions to the state.

Speaker Bio:

Dana Bennett grew up in Old Southwest Reno before it was known as the Old Southwest. After graduating from Reno High School, she left for college and career moves but often returned to her hometown. She was an early member of HRPS and enjoys reminiscing about the Reno she remembers. Dana holds three history degrees, including a Masters in women’s history and a PhD earned with a dissertation focused on Nevada’s female legislators before 1960. She and her husband currently live in Midas, Nevada; she loves to talk about the history of that place, too! Dana is the President of Friends of Midas, the town’s 30-year-old historic preservation organization.