The
Roosevelt Island Historical Society
(RIHS) and New York Public Library
Roosevelt Island branch hosted a free virtual lecture –
In The Footsteps of Nellie Blly – via Zoom
on Tuesday February 15 with Following Nellie Bly author Rosemary J. Brown and Girl Sculptor sculptor Amanda Mathews.
As previously reported, RIHS President Judy Berdy moderated:
… A celebration of the life and legacy of Nellie Bly –
journalist, adventurer and humanitarian – on the centennial of
her death (January 27, 1922) with a focus on her record-breaking
race around the world declared ‘the most remarkable of all feats
of circumnavigation ever performed by a human being,’ by The New
York World, 1890.Rosemary J Brown
is a London-based journalist and author of Following Nellie Bly:
Her Record-Breaking Race Around the World (Pen and Sword Books,
2021) where she re-traced Bly’s epic 72-day journey to pay
tribute to the pioneering woman now commemorated in the recently
inaugurated The Girl Puzzle monument on Roosevelt Island. Brown
is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society with a quest to
get female adventurers ‘back on the map.’Rosemary will be joined by
Amanda Matthews, the sculptor of “The Girl Puzzle’‘ located on Roosevelt Island. Amanda is an award-winning
sculptor and designer of public art and the space it
inhabits. She is also a public speaker and the CEO of
Prometheus Art, a Design/Build Firm owned with her
partner/husband, Brad Connell, located in Lexington, KY.
Matthews’ work reflects a commitment to women, fairness, civil
rights, and lifting muted and marginalized voices. She
designs large-scale monuments and installations with emphasis on
accessibility for all people. Her work recognizes and honors the
plight of women, those who are marginalized, the LGBTQ+
community, and others who are still seeking equal rights and
representation.
Watch the video of this fascinating program.
More info available about Following Nellie Bly book and Girl Puzzle Sculpture.
Also, here are scenes from the Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening
of the Girl Puzzle Sculpture at Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park.