MENUNational Votes for Women Trail Marker Dedication
On August 26, 2022 the Vernon County Historical Society and the Viroqua Women's Literary Club held a dedication ceremony to welcome the latest Marker on The National Votes for Women Trail.
The trail is sponsored by the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites, and seeks to recognize and celebrate the enormous diversity of people and groups active in the struggle for women's suffrage.
This marker joins a program of historic markers for about 250 women's suffrage sites across the country.
This program was funded by the William C. Pomeroy Foundation and the federal Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission.
We would like to thank all of the pictured people for participating. And those not pictured - Videographer: Stan Weltzin, Organic Valley for the use of their sound system, and Gail Frie and Brian Turben from the Viroqua Cemetery Board.
National Votes for Women Trail Marker
The committee that made it all happen: Brian Ekern, Chris Leinberger, Denise Kirchoff, Kim Cade, Carol Krogan and Kathleen Sullivan.
Kathleen Sullivan, past Historical Society President, introduces the event.
Viroqua Mayor, Justin Running, reads the commendation letter from the William C. Pomeroy foundation.
Mayor Running and Denise Kirchoff unveil the marker
The Honorable Darcy J. Rood speaks on the history of women's suffrage.
Denise Kirchoff talks about resources available for further study.
After the speakers, everyone takes a short walk to the gravesites of the two Viroqua suffragists - Tilda Omundson and Kate Goodell.
Graveside - Tilda Omundson, portrayed by Dr. Tena Thompson DC, and Kate Goodell, portrayed by Judy Gardner, each gave a short history of their lives.
Signs at each gravesite are standing at the cemetery.
Refreshments were served in the gazebo after the event
Members of the Viroqua Women's Literary Club, co-sponsor of the event.
Idelle Fauske, Carole Moon, Cate Gitter, Laura Kilberg, Chris Leinberger, Kathleen Sullivan.
Also many thanks to Steve and Brian who placed the marker.
