Women's History Month On Roosevelt Island Celebrates Jounalist Nellie Blye - From Lunatic Asylum To Around The World In 72 Days!

Women's History Month/Nellie Bly Flyer Image From RIOC

Received the following information from RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Historical Society concerning the celebration of Women's History Month on Roosevelt Island.

... Around the World in 72 Days is an acclaimed biography of Nellie Bly, a daring investigative reporter. The movie presents her initial fame in revealing conditions in the 19th century New York City Lunatic Asylum (later known as Metropolitan Hospital and now the site of The Octagon). The film also focuses on her effort in 1887 to travel around the world in an attempt to beat the schedule of Jules Verne’s 1873 novel, Around the World in 80 Days.

Sponsored by The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), in partnership with The Roosevelt Island Historical Society, the film will be introduced by Leah Potter, who works at the American Social History Project/Center for Media and Learning at the CUNY Graduate Center, and is a specialist on Bly’s work and life.

“RIOC is delighted to celebrate the achievements of women by presenting a series of films that are both educational and entertaining,” said Stephen H. Shane, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. “After the movie, we invite guests to visit The Octagon, 888 Main Street, to learn more about the New York City Lunatic Asylum (later known as Metropolitan Hospital), where Bly began her New York reporting career.”

Around the World in 72 Days will be shown FREE on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. at RIVAA Gallery at 527 Main Street; all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Earlier this month, A Midwife’s Tale was shown as the first in the two-part series....

More on Nellie Bly's experience at the Octagon Asylum in Ten Days In A Madhouse from the Disability Museum, a Voice of America radio program and the Nellie Bly song by Stephen Foster. Also, the 3/21/09 Main Street WIRE on Nellie Bly.