Film Celebrates Women’s History Month on Roosevelt Island
The dramatic stories of two amazing women are the focus of a film series to be held in celebration of Women’s History Month on Roosevelt Island.
The audacious Adventures of Nellie Bly 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.”
The audacious Adventures of Nellie Bly 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.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Tram at 59th Street and Second Avenue or the F train to Roosevelt Island. Walk 10 minutes north on Main Street or take the red bus (25 cents).
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York (RIOC) is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York. Since 1984, RIOC is responsible for the General Development Plan, for the development and operation of the 147 acres comprising the former Welfare Island, located in New York City’s East River. For more information, please visit www.rioc.com.
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society promotes awareness of our Island’s unique story and pursues preservation of its landmarks and artifacts. For more information, please visit www.rihs.us.