Timeline: 1901-1950

Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Dorothy Walker.

Dorothy Walker

Trial lawyer Dorothy Walker was the first female district attorney in Wisconsin.
Image description: An artistic depiction of Emma Toft’s side profile.

Emma Toft

Emma Toft is known as “Wisconsin’s First Lady of Conservation” for her efforts to save an ancient forest in Door County from being destroyed by logging and commercial development.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Helen Van Vechten.

Helen Van Vechten

Helen Van Vechten co-owned the Philosopher Press in Wausau and became an expert in hand-printing books.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Lutie Eugenia Stearns.

Lutie Eugenia Stearns

Lutie Stearns, “the Johnny Appleseed of books,” started free libraries all over Wisconsin and was an outspoken advocate for social justice.
Image description: A black-and-white headshot of Lorine Niedecker.

Lorine Niedecker

Lorine Niedecker, an important 20th century poet, was highly regarded for the poems she wrote about her Wisconsin surroundings.
Image description: a black-and-white portrait-style photo of Georgia O’Keefe.

Georgia O’Keeffe

A major American artist of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe developed a unique approach to abstract painting that reflected the landscapes around her.
Image description: A black-and-white photo of Kate Newcomb holding an infant.

Kate Newcomb

Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb was a popular physician in Northern Wisconsin who provided health care where few medical services were available.
Image description: A black-and-white photo of Mountain Wolf Woman in her traditional clothing and holding one infant on each knee.

Mountain Wolf Woman

Mountain Wolf Woman's autobiography was one of the earliest firsthand accounts of the experiences of a Native American woman.
Helen Connor Laird

Helen Connor Laird

Community leader Helen Connor Laird was the inspiration for the Laird Endowment Fund for the Arts in central Wisconsin.
Image description: A black-and-white portrait-style photo of Belle Case La Follette.

Belle Case La Follette

Belle Case La Follette was the first woman to graduate from law school in Wisconsin and an outspoken advocate for women's right to vote.