Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly, an influential journalist, exposed mental health care abuses, completed a 72-day global journey, and paved the way for women in journalism, leaving a lasting legacy until her death in 1922.
Read original article
Elizabeth Jane Cochran, known by her pen name Nellie Bly, was an influential American journalist born on May 5, 1864, in Pennsylvania. She gained fame for her groundbreaking investigative journalism, particularly her undercover work at a mental institution, which exposed the harsh conditions faced by patients. This exposé, published in 1887 as "Ten Days in a Mad-House," led to significant reforms in mental health care. Bly is also celebrated for her record-setting journey around the world in 72 days, inspired by Jules Verne's novel, which she completed in 1890. Her work not only highlighted the struggles of marginalized women but also paved the way for future female journalists in a male-dominated field. After her marriage to Robert Seaman in 1895, she shifted her focus from journalism to managing his manufacturing business. Bly continued to write novels and remained a prominent figure in American culture until her death on January 27, 1922. Her legacy endures through her contributions to investigative journalism and the representation of women in media.
- Nellie Bly was a pioneer of investigative journalism, known for her undercover reporting.
- She completed a record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days in 1890.
- Bly's exposé of a mental institution led to significant reforms in mental health care.
- She wrote several novels and managed a manufacturing business after her marriage.
- Bly's work opened doors for women in journalism, influencing future generations.
Related
I miss Lorina Bulwer: A hand-stitched letter of note
Lorina Bulwer, a British needleworker born in 1838, created intricate embroidered letters in a workhouse until her death in 1912, reflecting her life experiences and societal conditions of her time.
Solo round-the-world sailor Cole Brauer:first two weeks I cried every single day
Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo around the globe, completed her journey in 130 days, aiming to break stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sailing while prioritizing mental health.
A Woman Who Defined the Great Depression
Sanora Babb, an underrecognized author, faced poverty and hardships that shaped her writing. Her unpublished novel on the Dust Bowl influenced Steinbeck, emphasizing resilience and hope in adversity.
Mary Somerville, Queen of 19th Century Science (2016)
Mary Somerville, a pioneering 19th-century scientist and writer, published influential works, including a translation of Laplace’s Mécanique céleste, and challenged gender norms in science despite societal obstacles.
Evelyn McHale (2017)
Evelyn McHale, 23, committed suicide by jumping from the Empire State Building on May 1, 1947. Her death, captured in an iconic photograph, highlighted her struggles with mental health and societal pressures.
7 commentsNellie Bly - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38816979 - Dec 2023 (1 comment)
Nellie Bly, America's first investigative journalist got her start in an asylum - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26375490 - March 2021 (2 comments)
Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22400878 - Feb 2020 (2 comments)
Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Madhouse (1887) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10926253 - Jan 2016 (1 comment)
Nellie Bly - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10470383 - Oct 2015 (7 comments)
Nellie Bly: Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7730311 - May 2014 (2 comments)
I can’t find more information but I really want to study and understand this kind of upwards movement better. I know there’s a lot of easy commentary on then vs. now but I want to understand the details better. Any decent documentary about walking into a jungle and coming out rich?
"In 1895, Bly married millionaire manufacturer Robert Seaman. Bly was 31 and Seaman was 73 when they married. Due to her husband's failing health, she left journalism and succeeded her husband as head of the Iron Clad Manufacturing Co., which made steel containers such as milk cans and boilers. Seaman died in 1904."
You can see more about her asylum expose here: https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2022/11/nellie-bly-...
EDIT: Even better, the full book: https://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/bly/madhouse/madhous...
The airport has 3 statues greeting incoming travelers - - George Washington - Franco Harris - Nellie Bly
Related
I miss Lorina Bulwer: A hand-stitched letter of note
Lorina Bulwer, a British needleworker born in 1838, created intricate embroidered letters in a workhouse until her death in 1912, reflecting her life experiences and societal conditions of her time.
Solo round-the-world sailor Cole Brauer:first two weeks I cried every single day
Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo around the globe, completed her journey in 130 days, aiming to break stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sailing while prioritizing mental health.
A Woman Who Defined the Great Depression
Sanora Babb, an underrecognized author, faced poverty and hardships that shaped her writing. Her unpublished novel on the Dust Bowl influenced Steinbeck, emphasizing resilience and hope in adversity.
Mary Somerville, Queen of 19th Century Science (2016)
Mary Somerville, a pioneering 19th-century scientist and writer, published influential works, including a translation of Laplace’s Mécanique céleste, and challenged gender norms in science despite societal obstacles.
Evelyn McHale (2017)
Evelyn McHale, 23, committed suicide by jumping from the Empire State Building on May 1, 1947. Her death, captured in an iconic photograph, highlighted her struggles with mental health and societal pressures.