Ohio Supreme Court Announces New Exhibit Honoring Women in Law

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Supreme Court of Ohio has unveiled plans for a new exhibit, “Women in the Law,” set to debut at the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center. The exhibit aims to honor the groundbreaking contributions of women to Ohio’s legal history and is scheduled to open alongside the recently unveiled “Careers in the Law” display on April 10, 2025.

The exhibit’s centerpiece will feature a portrait of retired Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who made history as Ohio’s first elected female Chief Justice. Her legacy is marked by decades of service and achievement, serving as an inspiration for future generations. “This exhibit serves as a tribute to the women who have paved the way in our legal system,” O’Connor said in a statement.

Among the prominent figures showcased will be Florence Allen, who made history as the first woman to sit on the Ohio Supreme Court and later became the first female federal court of appeals judge. Starting her legal career in 1914, Allen was elected to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1922 and was appointed to the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934.

Additionally, Justice Melody Stewart, the first African American woman elected to the Ohio Supreme Court, will also be featured in the exhibit. Elected in 2018, Stewart has made significant contributions to law and civic leadership. “Justice Stewart’s achievements exemplify the impact of diversity and determination within the judiciary,” said the court in its announcement.

Interactive displays will showcase the stories of other influential legal figures, including Alice Robie Resnick, Yvette McGee Brown, and Evelyn Stratton, highlighting their vital roles in shaping Ohio’s legal landscape. “These women’s experiences echo the values of leadership and perseverance that are crucial in law today,” the Court mentioned.

The exhibit will incorporate modern technology with multimedia elements, allowing visitors to engage with audio and video reflections as well as historical insights about Ohio’s female legal pioneers. The Visitor Education Center at the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center is expected to welcome over 11,000 visitors annually, making it an important hub for education.

The Women in the Law exhibit will complement existing displays, including tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen and Justices in Military Service, deepening public understanding of the intersections between law, history, and social progress.

“We invite everyone to experience this transformative exhibit and learn about the incredible contributions that women have made to the justice system in Ohio,” the Court stated. Tours of the Visitor Education Center can be scheduled by contacting their Civic Education office at 614-387-9223.