On November 7, 1916, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman elected to the United States Congress. To commemorate the centennial of her November 1916 election and April 1917 swearing-in as a U.S. Representative, the Office of the House Historian conducted oral histories with former women Members, staff, and family. Drawn from decades of congressional experience, the interviews in this ongoing project convey a larger narrative about the transformative role of women in American politics and their contributions to Congress during the past century.

The Office of the House Historian conducted oral histories with former women Members and staff. Listen as women describe their diverse pathways to the House, recall behind-the-scenes details of the legislative process, and chronicle their efforts to achieve power and parity within the institution. Drawn from decades of congressional experience, the interviews in this ongoing project affirm Rankin’s bold prediction of “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.” These interviews also convey a larger narrative about the transformative role of women in American politics and their contributions to Congress during the past century.