In a historic ceremony held on September 30, the Wisconsin State Law Library was officially named in honor of Lavinia Goodell, the first woman lawyer in Wisconsin.
The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Director of State Courts Office, and the Wisconsin State Law Library, drew attendees from across the legal community, celebrating Goodell's pioneering achievements. Among the guests was Rachel Frost Starkey, a relative of Lavinia Goodell, who was brought to tears as Wisconsin honored the groundbreaking contributions of her ancestor.
In her remarks to the crowd, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley highlighted the historical importance of the day. "Really focus on the historical majesty of what we're celebrating here today," she said. "It's not only the status of Lavinia as a woman attorney, the first woman attorney in the state. And it's not only her love of libraries, and it's not only her style and appetite for reading. Today's naming of Lavinia Goodell State Law Library marks the first time that a state-owned building is named after a woman."
The naming ceremony highlighted Lavinia Goodell's legacy, recognizing her as a trailblazer who overcame barriers to become Wisconsin's first female attorney in 1874. In their remarks, both Justice Bradley and Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski also took time to acknowledge the dedicated work of Lavinia Goodell historians Nancy Koop and Colleen Ball, whose research has been instrumental in preserving Goodell's story.
Throughout the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to explore several historical objects and exhibits about Lavinia Goodell's life, displayed throughout the library. The displays featured personal documents, photographs, and information chronicling her legal career and advocacy for women's rights.
The Lavinia Goodell State Law Library is located at 120 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Madison. For more information about the Lavinia Goodell State Law Library, visit https://wilawlibrary.gov/. You can learn more about Lavinia Goodell and her remarkable life here: LaviniaGoodell.com.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov