No Kindness Here: Women's Lunacy in the 19th Century

In 1887, journalist Nellie Bly wrote in her Women’s Lunatic Asylum expose that “Who would not rather be a murderer and take the chance for life than be declared insane, without hope of escape?” Now it is time to pull back the curtain on women’s “lunacy” in the 19th century.

Join historian Ashlie Payton as she delves into her research on “lunacy” between the mid-1800s and 1970, and the disproportionate female admission rates into asylums during this period. By evaluating gender discrimination and prejudice, Payton will show that women’s admission typically was not only against their will, but also heavily influenced by a male-dominated society.

No Kindness Here: Women’s Lunacy in the 19th Century will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8 in the library’s large meeting room.

For more information about this or any other Upper Sandusky Community Library program, stop by the front desk or call the library at 419-294-1345.