Women in the the Visual Arts and Literature

Nellie Bly

37-cent Nellie Bly stamp
This 37-cent Nellie Bly stamp was issued September 14, 2002.

Nellie Bly (1864-1922) was one of the first female investigative journalists of her time. While writing for the New York World, she investigated the treatment of mentally ill people inside of asylums by checking herself into an institution. Her work helped spark reforms for the quality of care for the mentally ill. In addition to her skills as a journalist, Bly is also well known for traveling around the world in seventy-two days and setting a new record.