100 years ago, eight women walked into the chambers of the house of representatives-- the first women elected to the legislature in Pennsylvania's history.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives hosted an exhibit this year celebrating an important anniversary for women serving in the house.

The 19th amendment was ratified in 1920, making 1922 the first year women could run for office in the state.

Making history, they started their terms in January, 2023.

“I think it’s great, especially since it was 8, it wasn’t just 1, it was 8 at one time," said Taylor Mason, outreach archivist for the house archives. And from all areas of the state."

Three women hailed from Philadelphia, but others came from Cambria, Butler, Chester, Crawford, and Allegheny counties. 100 years later, the number of women who have served in the Pennsylvania house has grown from 8 to 260.

Their accomplishments are not limited to legislative victories.

“So this is from former representative Ruth Rudy," explained Mason, holding up a clear, plastic contraption. "She patented this face shield here back in the 70s and 80s so you could protect your face from hairspray.” 

This year was more than an anniversary for women serving in the house.

“Pennsylvania has the oldest continuous legislature, we’ve never had a break in almost 250 years," said Speaker Joanna McClinton (D), representative for District 191.

McClinton is the first female speaker of the house in Pennsylvania.

“We haven’t had one yet, so we’re kind of writing history as we’re preserving it at the same time," said Mason.

“To be the first woman to do that, I take it seriously. And I’m just so grateful for the opportunity," said McClinton.

As Pennsylvania's first female speaker thought back to the first eight female representatives...

“It shows we have always been prepared, and ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to participate in these serious conversations that happen in Harrisburg," said McClinton. "It’s amazing to see how our history pages continue to turn, and what will it look like a hundred years from now? Someone will have to tell us.” 

Pennsylvania's 2023/24 legislative session has over 60 female representatives serving in the house.

Biographies of all Pennsylvania house members can be found at the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archive's website.