Interviews from History - Pioneering Women: Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly, born in 1864, was a pioneering investigative American journalist who exposed the shocking conditions in a women’s asylum in 1887 New York by feigning insanity and going undercover for 10 days. Her expose in the New York World of the cruelty being endured by the inmates became a sensation and made her a household name leading to increased funding and better conditions.

Nellie then managed to persuade her editor to allow her to go around the world emulating Jules Verne’s fictional character which she did in 1889 managing to do it in 72 days setting a world record.  Daily updates on her progress were published which gripped the nation adding yet further to her fame.

Suitable for ages 15 upwards

• Cast and Credits

Find out more about Nellie Bly

• Nellie Bly - Wikipedia
• National Women’s History Museum - womenshistory.org
• Library of Congress Blog