Collection Connection

Nancy B. Johnson: Myths of Women’s Madness on the Plains Wednesday: March 22 • 2:00 p.m. Nancy B. Johnson is an independent scholar of Great Plains and women’s studies. This presentation explores how and why myths of women’s madness on the Plains prevailed, promoted by authors of fiction and history. Mental illness was not exclusive to pioneer women as men were just as likely to suffer the same condition through the stress of financial pressure and the hardship of isolation. Using the photographs of Solomon Butcher, recently published works, diaries and journals, Johnson shows the varied reality of the lives of Nebraska women through the period 1870 to 1900. This program is designed for adults only. Humanities Nebraska (HN) provides major funding for this program. HN receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and private donations.