Sandra Day O’Connor stated, “As the first #female justice, I didn’t have a choice of robes. Most of what was available was a choir or #academic robe. I brought my #judicial robe from #Arizona.” Photo: Sandra Day O’Connor ducks behind a potted plant before making a statement to reporters after she was named to the United States Supreme Court, September 15, 1981, AP Images PHOTO DENNIS COOK

Content: Terry Gross, Fresh Air, WHYY, March 5, 2013 Jan Smith, interview with Sandra Day O’Connor, 2015. National Portrait Gallery; Sandra Day O’Connor Explores Supreme Court History, Inner Workings, PBS NewsHour, April 4, 2013

This story is part of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative. To read more, visit womenshistory.si.edu.