Arizona’s first woman state Supreme Court Chief Justice
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 2-4 PM, with historian and author Kraig Nelson will discuss Lorna Lockwood’s landmark achievements in conjunction with Women’s History Month.
Lorna Lockwood was America’s, and Arizona’s, first woman state Supreme Court Chief Justice. She was influenced by her father, who taught in Cave Creek’s first one-room school in the late 1890s, and who later embarked upon an exemplary legal career.
According to Nelson, Justice Lockwood’s career journey was a testament to her versatility and dedication. She served as a Supreme Court opinions lawyer, legislator and Superior Court judge, ultimately rising to the role of Arizona Supreme Court chief justice. Her contributions didn’t stop there.
“Justice Lockwood was known for her trailblazing spirit, dedication and commitment to justice,” says Nelson. “She was a vocal advocate for children’s welfare and women’s equality, often bringing attention to issues that were not widely considered at the time. Her colleagues and contemporaries remembered her as a keen jurist with limitless enthusiasm and ability.”
“Lockwood was truly ahead of her time, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and paving the way for future generations of women in law,” adds Nelson.
Presenter Nelson began as a docent at the Cave Creek Museum in 2008, became a regular columnist for the museum’s newsletter in 2011 and the museum board elected him as its official historian in 2016. Nelson also co-authored the museum’s 2013 book, Images of America-Cave Creek and Carefree. He is a regular columnist for “A Peak at the Peak” and North Valley Magazine and has been published in many periodicals, including True West. Nelson also wrote a monthly history column for the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce for 10 years.
Reservations are required. Members are free and non-members can enjoy the program for a $10 admission ticket. Register at cavecreekmuseum.org.
The 54-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Open October through May. The museum can be reached at 480.488.2764 or cavecreekmuseum.org. Where History Comes Alive.
