Getting Her Due

Getting Her Due


Even though Nellie Bly is not the record holder now, she will be forever remembered as one of the most influential women in history. She set out to accomplish her dreams and succeeded - both in completing her goals and in inspiring many young women after her. Her impact spread throughout journalism, as it brought about a new way of writing - with determination and passion.

"Nellie Bly / Myers, N.Y.," 1890, Library of Congress.


“Nellie Bly was neither the first nor the fastest to travel around the world, and yet she remains an enduring source of fascination to the present day. The most likely reason for this is Nellie herself. Her sharp wit, courage, and sincerity shine through in her writing and the writing of those who knew her.” - Heinz History Center, 2022

“Nellie Bly, a journalist, traveler, industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist, left a mark on Western Pennsylvanian and American history that has stretched far beyond the day when she stepped off that train in Jersey City 131 years ago.” - Heinz History Center, 2022

Her unique approach to journalism brought about positive changes in the field and her perseverance to accurately cover difficult topics, no matter her gender, inspired many women after her to pursue their dreams of working in the field of journalism.

Throughout the rest of her life, she returned to journalism, chronicled the Great War, was married, and ran a manufacturing company. She died on January 27, 1922 from pneumonia and only a few acknowledged her passing. Even through her non-recognition throughout the end of her life, she is still remembered today as one of the most influential women in American history. Now, we celebrate her bold decisions and the positive changes brought about by her work.

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