Barbara Cristol, 103 years old, joined the League of Women Voters in 1950
We recently sat down with Barbara to discuss how her life has been shaped by civic engagement and public service. She explained that her involvement with the League of Women Voters began through the influence of her mother, who worked to organize civic participation and encourage voting in their small town of Roxbury, Connecticut. Barbara later became deeply involved in the League herself after returning from three years in Sweden, where her husband, a chemistry professor, had been conducting research.
Barbara described growing up in a family devoted to public service. Her father was an industrial physician, and both parents were involved in community studies and labor issues during and after World War I. She remembered hearing stories about women entering industrial workplaces for the first time during the war and the changing expectations placed upon them.
Barbara spoke about her decades of work with the League in Colorado, especially in Boulder and Denver. She became heavily involved in legislative advocacy, regularly traveling by bus to Denver to monitor legislation and meet with lawmakers.
One of her major contributions was preparing weekly legislative summaries that were distributed to members of the Colorado legislature. Though she modestly described herself as “out in the woods doing it by myself,” her work became an important source of information for representatives and League members alike.
Barbara also advocated for education issues, including support for bilingual education and civic education in schools. She emphasized the importance of helping citizens understand government, voting, and public responsibility.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund launched the award-winning election website VOTE411.org in Spanish in 2020.
Throughout the interview, Barbara repeatedly stressed the importance of informed voting and civic participation. She expressed concern about low voter turnout and urged citizens to understand not only how to vote, but why voting matters.
Barbara shared her belief that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. She advocated strongly for civics education and for giving young people opportunities to understand how government works firsthand.
“I think children need a class in civics. I’ve said that for years.”
She also emphasized that voting should never be taken for granted and that citizens have a responsibility to stay informed about issues, courts, legislation, and public policy.
Despite witnessing enormous change over more than a century of life, Barbara expressed hope that schools, communities, and organizations like the League continue to strengthen civic involvement and democratic participation.
Barbara concluded by reflecting warmly on her parents’ dedication to civic life and the importance of helping people become involved in voting and community affairs. Her memories stretched from small-town Connecticut to international experiences abroad, from legislative halls in Denver to decades of League advocacy and public service.
The League of Women Voters of La Plata County proudly honor Barbara Crystal as a Lifetime Member whose commitment to democracy, education, and informed citizenship continues to inspire us all.