MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #83 recognizing the career and legacy of Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson by naming the Wisconsin Historical Society Library Reading Room in her honor. Executive Order #83 is available here.
“Over her 43 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Chief Justice Abrahamson was a champion for our judicial and legal institutions and served with a unwavering commitment to independence and fair application of the law,” said Gov. Evers. “She has inspired many, being the first woman to serve on the bench and as chief justice, and served as role model for countless women and young people to pursue careers in law an public service. The Chief Justice Shirely Abrahamson Reading Room will serve as a reminder of her legacy for generations to come and a symbol of our deep appreciation for her years of public service to our state.”
Abrahamson was appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1976, becoming the first woman to serve on the court, as well as the first woman to serve as chief justice when she assumed the role in 1996. Abrahamson retired from the court in 2019, making her the longest serving supreme court justice in the history of Wisconsin.