Death of Mary Louise Smith
Portrait of Mary Louise Smith by C. L. MacNelly,
commissioned by the Republican National Committee, 1975
“Throughout her work, Smith was praised for her grace, intellect, and integrity and her commitment to fairness, human rights and equal opportunity. She was the epitome of a political leader and community activist, inspiring others to work to improve the political process, government and society.”
–Dianne Bystrom
Catt Center for Women in Politics,
Iowa State University
5th Anniversary
Organic farmer and activist Denise O’Brien spoke about the need to preserve the history of rural and farm women at a reception in Des Moines. O’Brien donated her papers to the Iowa Women’s Archives soon after it opened.
Denise O’Brien, 1970s
