Roosevelt Island Celebrates Women's History Month This Weekend - Friday Night Shirley Chisholm And Nelly Bly Film Screening, Saturday Afternoon Crafts Featuring Images Of Women Throughout History

Roosevelt Island is celebrating Women's History Month this weekend.

According to the NYPL Roosevelt Island branch:

Celebrate Women's History Month with a film screening and discussion of two short films highlighting women who worked for change in New York City communities: Nellie Bly and Shirley Chisholm.

NELLIE BLY MAKES THE NEWS (2018, 23 min): Penny Lane's animated short documentary presents the story of Nellie Bly, a muckracking investigative journalist who changed the game for women in reporting before women even had the right to vote. Drawing from extensive primary sources including Bly’s own writing, and presenting both real-world interviewees and reenactments in several styles of animation and illustration, this short film investigates the porous line between reporting facts and telling stories, while creating a dynamic portrait of a woman who refused to accept the status quo.

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: THE LEADER (1998, 30 min): This short film covers the life and career of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, first black major-party candidate to run for President, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, and first chair of the National Black Women's Political Caucus. Elected to Congress under the slogan "Unbought and unbossed," Chisholm fought to improve the living conditions of marginalized New Yorkers.

After the films, attendees are invited to stay for a discussion of women's impact in journalism, media, politics, activism, and change-making.

Friday, March 29, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

Program Locations:

Roosevelt Island Cultural Center

For children, ages 5 to 12 years, ages 13 to 18 years, children

Here's more on Shirley Chisholm


Unbought and Unbossed: Shirley Chisholm’s fearless presidential run from Timeline on Vimeo.

and Nelly Bly.


Nellie Bly Makes the News ***excerpt*** from Penny Lane on Vimeo.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center, the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance, and the Roosevelt Island branch NY Public Library present- Persistence, Pride and Power! A series of Women's History Month events & more!

FRIDAY, MARCH 29th, 6:30pm

Unbought and Unbossed: The Lives of Nellie Bly and Shirley Chisholm

Do you want to change the world? Get inspired by these two short films about journalist Nellie Bly and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, two women who fought for change right here in New York City.

The Lighthouse Room, Cultural Center, 548 Main St.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30th, 3:00pm

Crafting the Collections: Celebrating Women’s History Month

Join us for an all-ages crafternoon! Workshop participants will create their own collages on paper using elements collected from the Picture Collection, featuring images of women throughout history. Images from NYPL's Picture collection will be available for your use. You can also bring in your own images, pictures or magazines.

The Lighthouse Room, Cultural Center, 548 Main St.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9th, 7:15pm

Queer, There, and Everywhere: LGBTQ History-Makers

World history has been made by countless LGBTQ individuals—and you’ve never heard of many of them. Queer author and activist Sarah Prager joins us to share the stories of people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile figures like Eleanor Roosevelt to the trailblazing, gender-ambiguous Queen of Sweden, these astonishing true stories uncover a rich heritage that encompasses every culture, in every era.

The Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main St.

These events are FREE and open to the public. For more information call the Youth Center at 212-832-4559.

5 Local Roosevelt Islanders Honored As Women Of Distinction By NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright On Thursday March 7, You're Invited To Women's History Month Celebration

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright is celebrating Women's History Month by honoring Women Of Distinction. You're invited to attend.

According to Assembly Member Seawright:

Dear Neighbor,

March is Women's History Month. In March we honor women who live or work in the 76th Assembly District, who are making a difference every day with the Women of Distinction Awards. Join us on Thursday, March 7 at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Auditorium, 430 East 67th Street (between First and York Avenues) for the celebration!

Among the honorees are five members of the Roosevelt Island community. Namely:

• Khadijiah Julia Abduraham - Creator of Word to Roosevelt Island
• Jennilie Brewster - Founder and project lead for OPEN DOORS at Coler Hospital on Roosevelt Island
• Rossana Ceruzzi - President and Founder of the Wildlife Freedom Foundation
• Julia Ferguson - Language Teacher at the UN International School (member of Roosevelt Island Garden Club)
• Jovemay Santos - Director of Therapeutic Recreation Services at Coler Hospital on Roosevelt Island

Below is full announcement from Ms. Seawright.

Seawrigt 2019 Women of Distinction

Here's a 2014 video about the history of Women's History Month from the National Women's History Museum



and the 2017 Roosevelt Island Women of Distinction.

10 Roosevelt Island Residents Honored As Women Of Distinction For Community Service By NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright - Congratulations & Well Deserved

Ten Roosevelt Island women were among a group of 21 honored by NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright as Women of Distinction

Roosevelt Island Women Of Distinction Honorees With Assembly Member Seawright

 at a ceremony held last Thursday, March 16.

According to this press release from Assembly Member Seawright:

On the evening of Thursday, March 16 2017, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright’s Third Annual Women of Distinction Awards to commemorate Women’s History Month was held at the Regina Peruggi Room at Marymount Manhattan College.

Seawright honored twenty-one women who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and dedication to making our community a better place. Award recipients included Michele Birnbaum, Eva Bosbach, Judy Buck, Mary Coleman, Maureen Fairlie, Linda Heimer, Sherie Helstien, Wendy L. Hersh, Jean Kim, Dara Lamb, Jacqueline Ludorf, Valerie S. Mason, Dr. Marilyn Mehr, Sonia Ossorio, Barbara Parker, Liz Patrick, Joyce Short, Louella Streitz, Lynne Strong-Shinozaki, Dr. Betty Walker, and Dr. Elaine M. Walsh.

This year holds monumental significance as the 100 year anniversary of the Suffrage Movement, which Seawright spoke to as a turning point in American History. “We have to stop thinking of history as a closed book, a story with an end, because as women, our story is not nearly over. There are exciting new chapters still to be written,” Seawright said.

Hunter College students opened the ceremony: Nailya Khalizova played a piece from “Chopin’s Prelude,” and Sara Tabio read “Spanglish in America,” her original response to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me.” Following the performances, Marymount Manhattan College President Dr. Kerry Walk welcomed the audience.

In closing Seawright said, “Celebrating Women’s History Month is not just about honoring women who came before us, it is about reminding ourselves of the heroines who inspired us by using their courage, their spirit, and their accomplishments as motivation to keep fighting for our rights. Congratulations, Women of Distinction, you are an inspiration to our community, our city, and our great State of New York!”

Here's Ms Seawright's remarks celebrating Women's History Month with her 3rd Annual Women of Distinction Awards



and the presentation of awards.



The Roosevelt Island Women Of Distinction are:

Eva Bosbach

Judy Buck

Image From Christina Delfico

Mary Coleman

 Image From Christina Delfico

Linda Heimer

Image From Christina Delfico

Sherie Helstien

Image From Christina Delfico

Wendy Hersh

Image From Christina Delfico

Barbara Parker

Image From Christina Delfico

Lynn Strong-Shinozaki

Image From Christina Delfico

Joyce Short

Image From Christina Delfico

and Louella Streitz

Image From Christina Delfico

Biographies of the Women of Distinction honorees are included in booklet below.

Seawright Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony Booklet

Click on lower right hand Full Screen Icon for better reading of booklet.

Congratulations to our Roosevelt Island Women of Distinction. Well deserved!!!!

Roosevelt Island Residents Margie Smith And Ellen Polivy Receive Women Of Distinction Award For Outstanding Work And Dedication To Our Community From NY Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright & Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright tweets:

Honoring the fabulous women on the UES and Roosevelt Island! pic.twitter.com/M27ZfTtvGv

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) March 18, 2016

According to this press release from Assembly Member Seawright's office:

On Friday, March 18, 2016 residents of Roosevelt Island, Yorkville, and the Upper East Side, along with Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney attended the Second Annual Women of Distinction Awards ceremony at the community office of Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright honoring six local women for their outstanding work and dedication to the community.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney along with Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright presented the awards and spoke to the accomplishments of women in history and the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in Congress. Ellen Polivy and Margie Smith were two of those honored for their work on behalf of their community on Roosevelt Island.

Margie Smith

is a lifetime New Yorker and longtime Roosevelt Island resident. A true advocate for Roosevelt Island, Margie is Chair of the Governance Advisory Committee and a member of the Operations Committee of RIOC. Currently, she is also the Director of Administration for one of the largest brand licensing companies in the world.

Ellen Polivy

is a social worker and Roosevelt Island resident. Ellen is an activist on Community Board 8, serving as a host on CB8 Speaks. Ellen is an activist in her own community as co-chair of Roosevelt Island Community Coalition and former president of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association. Additionally, she is an advocate for the elderly, sitting on the board of Bird S. Coler chronic care hospital, and in her own personal geriatric care management practice.

In addition, Alice Heyman,

the Founder of the First Women’s Bank, community organizer and activist also received an award. She contributed much needed funds that made the completion of the FDR Hope memorial possible. Until recently, she wished to remain anonymous for her generous contribution to Roosevelt Island.

Eileen Toback is a labor advocate, coalition leader and campaign organizer, currently serving as executive director of the New York Professional Nurses Union, advocating for safe staffing of nurses and quality patient care.

Loraine Brown is a member of Community Board 8, where she serves as co-chair of the Housing committee. Notably, Loraine is working with the White House’s Leadership Council to address “Prison Sentencing Reform.

Zoe Markowitz is the youngest member of Community Board 8, where she serves on the Land Use and Youth and Education Committees. Zoe has also worked with US Senator Charles Schumer and advocates for seniors on the DOROT Next Generation Teen Council.

“It is important to recognize the women who paved the way,” Assembly Member Seawright said in her remarks. “We stand taller because we stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us, and they deserve to be recognized here today.”

Congratulations to the Women of Distinction.

Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization Celebrates International Women's History Month - Seminar On Spiritual And Financial Empowerment

The Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) sends the following invitation for its March 25 Monthly Seminar:

ROOSEVELT ISLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH ORG. CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Presenting a seminar on SPIRITUAL and FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

“A journey of overcoming illness, connection to a higher power, achieving financial freedom, through self- determination, and learning to live more productively and fulfilling”

PRECIOUS FOSTER And others Motivational speaker, entrepreneur, community resident

When: March 25, 2015
Where: 546 Main St. 12th fl.
Time: 6:30 p.m. doors open at 6:15

Healthy Refreshments served
De-stress with Meditation

WOMEN OF ALL AGES WELCOME

Donations accepted!!!!

Women's History Month On Roosevelt Island, Commemoration Of Women Serving In World War 2 at Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field - Presentation At NYPL Tuesday March 10

Image From RIHS

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) invites you to a commemoration of Women's History Month at the Roosevelt Island NY Public Library (RI NYPL) Tuesday, March 10. According to the RI NYPL:

In Commemoration of Women's History Month, The Roosevelt Island Historical Society Presents Serving the Country…. Women in Service During World War II

Learn about the women and the jobs they held at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, New York, in a presentation by Lincoln Hallowell.

Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
NYPL Branch, 534 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY
This program is free and open to the public.
Sponsored in conjunction with The New York Public Library

Lincoln Hallowell is a National Park Service ranger, who currently works at the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.  He has been interpreting national park sites since 1994.

The Library of Congress has more on the role of women workers during World War 2.

Celebrate Women's History Month With 5 Phenomenal Roosevelt Island Women Honored By RI Women's Health Organization And NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

To celebrate Women's History Month, the Roosevelt Island Women's Health Organization (RIWHO) and New York City Council Member Ben Kallos honored 5 of our neighbors at RIWHO's monthly meeting yesterday.

 NYC Councilmember Kallos Honoring 5 Roosevelt Island Women At RIWHO Meeting

Here's the presentation of the Proclamation by Councilmember Kallos



and the text.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Ben Kallos, Council Member of the 5th District, is proud to join the Roosevelt Island Women’s Health Care Organization in honoring a select group of women, our elders—Clarissa McCraley, Naomi Silverman, Ethel Romm, Rosalind Fernandez and Ena Shinnery—for inspiring us all with their character, commitment and courage; and

WHEREAS: Clarissa R. McCraley, 85, was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and raised by her aunt and uncle, she grew up on a farm with no running water and no electricity, but abundant with love. She has called Roosevelt Island home since 1975, making her one of our community’s pioneers. In addition to her own career in retail and health, she has excelled in her work as a generous volunteer. Over the years, she has fed the homeless at Good Shepard Church, led Bible Study groups, and worked at the island thrift store. She has also volunteered for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, Joint Disease Hospital, the Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital and at P.S./I.S. 217; and

WHEREAS: Naomi Silverman, 88, was born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, and has been a proud resident of Roosevelt Island since 1977. She has been extremely active in a wide range of areas and remains so today. A few previous endeavors included owning a manufacturing woodwork firm and playing piano for a musical group. For the last 35 years, she has served as the dedicated coordinator of a poetry group. Today, she is an active member of the biblical study group Chavarah and also helps coordinates the Rivercross 5th Anniversary Party, a celebration with more than 600 attendees; and

WHEREAS: Ethel Romm, 89, was born in Massachusetts and grew up in New Hampshire. During World War II, when men were drafted and women were needed to build the planes and other machines, she was assigned to an Air Force Base where she supervised construction and building. Her unwavering commitment to learning led her to become CEO of her own construction and engineering company. Ms. Romm has now been a Roosevelt Island resident for more than 25 years and a member of Roosevelt Island Residents Association for more than 12. She also belongs to the Garden Club and continues to have an infectious enthusiasm for exercise, good nutrition and learning; and

WHEREAS: Rosalind Fernandez, 94, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Barbados. At 19, she returned the States and had a successful career in the insurance industry before retiring in 1982 to raise her granddaughter. Since 1976, she has been a champion for Roosevelt Island, whether working as a polling site coordinator, as a parishioner, or as a volunteer at Coler-Goldwater Hospital for the last 32 years. In recent years, she has new proud title: devoted great-grandmother; and

WHEREAS: Ena Shinnery, 94, was born in St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands, moved to New York in 1944, and has been a resident of Roosevelt Island since 1989. Prior to retirement, she worked in numerous jobs including 18 years in textiles. At her previous church, she excelled as a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent. Today, she continues to faithfully attend church on the island today and impresses all of the younger parishioners with her warmth and life experience; now, therefore

BE IT KNOWN: That Ben Kallos, Council Member of the 5th District, gratefully honors our Roosevelt Island Elders:

Clarissa McCraley, Naomi Silverman, Ethel Romm, Rosalind Fernandez and Ena Shinnery

for their extraordinary contributions to our community.

Signed this 26th day of March in the year Twenty Fourteen.

It was a wonderful event. RIWHO's Laila Amatullah hosted the proceedings which also included:

• an excellent home health care presentation by Dr. Jack Resnick,
• a letter of appreciation by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Charlene Indelicato,
• a greeting from RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus,
• Councilmember Kallos reviewing constituent services available from his office,
• a wellness talk
• exercise advice from Ms. Romm and
• a terrific recitation of Maya Angelou's poem Phenomenal Women by Ms. Amatullah.

There was also food, drink

good company

and a birthday celebration for Ms. Romm.

Here's video of the full Proclamation Ceremony.



Will have Dr. Resnick's Home Health Care presentation in a separate post soon.

What Does A Play Say About Our Roosevelt Island Community Asks A Resident After Attending Women's History Month Performance On Life Of Dr. May Edward Chin?

Image From Dave Evans

Roosevelt Island resident Dave Evans share some thoughts about attending Roosevelt Island Women's History Month performance on the life of Dr. May Edward Chin this past weekend. From Mr. Evans:

"Women's History Month - - What Does a Play Say About our Community"

Image From Dave Evans

Upon reading The Roosevelt Islander Blog and The WIRE, I noticed a Women's History Month event scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 March 2012, at our wonderful Roosevelt Island Main Street Theater (Owen Johnston, Executive Director). Though noticed, the announced event did not resonate until I decided to take a look at the story of Dr. May Edward Chinn.

After being amazed at the accomplishments of this strong, intelligent, talented woman who practiced in Harlem during difficult times, I surmised that the Theater would be overflowing with attendees, and I thought especially females, given her research on cancer. More specifically, the development of the Pap smear test for cervical cancer.

Well, there were ladies who witnessed the outstanding performances, but not in the numbers expected. Regardless of the number of seats filled, Main Street Theater provided an excellent setting for this two-person play about Dr. Chinn by Laurence Holder and Directed by Imani. The New York City located Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art, Shirley J. Radcliffe Executive Producer, presented this play to Roosevelt Islanders. Two beautiful, convincing, experienced and talented actresses, Kim Yancey-Moore and LaVonda Elam, brought the story to life and quite frankly, a few tears of empathy to my eyes.

But, what does this superb play say about our community? First, it reminds us of the many opportunities availed "we Islanders". Let's start with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). Yes, this is but one positive example of what RIOC and its Operations staff such as Community Relations Specialist Erica Spencer-El provide us. Further, it aptly focuses on one of the many achievements of "Women", fulfilling a goal of the History Month.

 I must admit that a strong woman and fine citizen, Dolores Green, Roosevelt Island Seniors Association President, was instrumental in encouraging attendance. Sadly to this writer, the Play highlighted that many of us are unaware of and/or do not take time to partake of many offerings we have right here on the Island, at no or little cost. Finally, but not exhaustive, the Play revealed during discussions with our visitors that there remain many folks in New York City who are unaware of the Island and what it has to offer. I heard that more than once and several said they would be back, especially given how surprisingly easy it is to get here.

Pictured below are some of the folks who were in attendance on Sunday and who expressed their strong appreciation to our Theater, to those who sponsored and to those who just completed a wonderful performance on stage.

Image From Dave Evans

(Left to right: Zack Stockton, RIOC/Graphic Artist; Erica Spencer-El, RIOC/Community Relations; Lavonda Elam, Actress; Dolores Green, RISA; Kim Yancey-Moore, Actress; Shirley Radcliff, Executive Producer; Jennifer Branche, Lisa Radcliff)

So, are you aware of Women's History Month, inclusive of International Women's Day? The play helped me feel the strength of Women's collective achievements and contributions worldwide. It is in this regard that we are celebrating in March. Do you have an experience to share?

Here's an short excerpt from a performance of the Life of Dr. May Edward Chinn at another venue.

Celebrate Women's History Month At The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theater With Performance About Pioneer Female Cancer Dr. May Edward Chinn

Image From RIOC

Received the following message from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

In honor of Women’s History Month, you are invited to a two women performance of the life of Dr. May Edward Chinn. Dr. Chinn was a pioneer in cervical cancer studies and aided in the development of the Pap smear test. Dr. Chinn broke barriers, being the first African-American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the first to intern at Harlem Hospital.

At the Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance Saturday, March 10th at 7:30 PM & Sunday, March 11th at 3 PM as we honor this remarkable woman in a play originally produced by the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by calling (212) 832-4540.

More on Dr. Chin from Harlem World.

Roosevelt Island Chamber Music Concert From L'Ensemble To Celebrebrate Women's History Month Saturday March 13 7:30 PM

Women's History Month L'Ensemble Flyer From RIOC

Received the following message from RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erika Wilder:

Greetings
Please join us on Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 pm at the Good Shepherd Community Center for a Chamber music concert celebrating women composers from 18th through 21st centuries. Chamber music group, L'Ensemble, will present a program of music that will examine the difficulties women composers faced and how their efforts, usually met with resistance, often took the criticism of the male-dominated classical music culture. You will hear music from the likes of Clara Schumann, the wife of composer Robert Schumann, Amy Cheney Beach, the first American woman to achieve international acceptance as a composer as well as other women composers who have achieved great successes in Chamber music.

Immediately following the concert, a reception with the artists and informal discussions will take place in the lower level of the Community Center.

http://www.lensemble.org

I hope you can make it.

According to the L'Ensemble chamber music group, the Roosevelt Island Women's History Month Concert will be:

...a program of beautiful music by women who did not receive the attention they should have historically. Maria Theresia von Paradis, a pianist who attracted the attention of Mozart who composed a concerto for her. Clara Schumann who supported her seven children as a touring virtuoso pianist after the death of her husband Robert. And Amy Cheney Beach, the first American woman to achieve international respect as a composer...

Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island- Staten Island Ferry, Nellie Bly Film, Mozart Evening, Bowling, Bacon Binge & RI Tour

You Tube Video of Incredible Bowling Shot via The Presurfer

Looking for fun or interesting things to do on Roosevelt Island or in some other part of New York City this weekend? Here are some suggestions.

If you want to bowl like the guy in the video you gotta practice, practice and more practice. So start tonight and Time Out NY has a survey of New York City Bowling Lanes to help you decide where to begin your quest for Bowling excellence.

On Saturday afternoon, take a fun boat trip to Staten Island 0n the Ferry and then visit the nearby Staten Island Museum for the Staten Island Ferry - A History book talk and signing with author Patricia M. Salmon. Or take the Roosevelt Island Tram and celebrate Women's History Month in the afternoon and an evening of Mozart.

For Foodies, On Sunday head to Williamsburg's Radegast Hall & Biergarten for a Bacon Takedown. According to the NY Times Urban Eye:

Somehow even after months, maybe even years, of coast-to-coast, blogger-to-foodie adoration, bacon hasn’t jumped the shark yet. On Sunday at Radegast beer hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, reap the rewards of the Bacon Takedown, in which 30 competitors offer an array of porcine dishes. A $10 fee gets you a sample of everything; expect lines.

I've had their hot sausage and it was great!

On Roosevelt Island this weekend, the Farmers Market will be open as usual on Saturday as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting a new group show titled Vernissage 8.

Roosevelt Island is celebrating Women's History Month on Saturday afternoon at the Gallery RIVAA with the showing of the film Around The World in 72 days, a biography of daring 19th Century investigative reporter Nellie Bly. Later that evening (8 PM) attend an All Mozart free classical music program presented as part of the Rosemarie & Robin Russell Family Concert Series at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Also, RIOC has produced a great self guided tour map (PDF File) of Roosevelt Island for any visitor or resident looking to stroll the Island and learn something more about it.

Good weekend transportation news. The MTA is reporting normal Roosevelt Island F Train subway service in both directions and RIOC is not reporting any Tram service advisories either.

Check out some other ideas on what to do in New York City this weekend from Free NYC, the NY Times Urban Eye and Spare Times, and Newyorkology.

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.

Women's History Month on Roosevelt Island - A Midwife's Tale (March 15) Plus Nellie Bly's Audacious Adventure (March 28) Film Presentations

Image of Women's History Month Flyer From RIOC

March is Women's History Month and RIOC has scheduled the following events.

Women's History Month
March 1st- 31st
Enjoy two film and lecture series of dynamic women who shaped cities and nations.
When : Sunday March 15th at 2pm
Where : RIVAA Gallery, 527 Main Street
Midwives Presentation
Film : A Midwife's Tale
Speaker: Megan Elias-Professor of Women's Studies Queensboro Community College

Nellie Bly Presentation
When : Saturday, March 28th at 2pm
Where : RIVAA Gallery, 527 Main Street
Film : The Audacious Adventures of Nellie Bly- Around the World in 72 Days
Speaker: Leah Potter- Professor of History, Hunter College

Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please call 212-832-4540

More information on the film A Midwife's Tale is available from the PBS series American Experience.

More information on the Audacious Adventures of Nellie Bly is available here plus the story of her investigation and reporting into the conditions at the Blackwell Lunatic Asylum, now Roosevelt Island's Octagon Luxury Apartment Building. Also a free audio book of Nellie Bly's 10 days In A Madhouse, yes, about the Lunatic Asylum, is available here.