Dorothea Dix: Reform in Massachusetts

What kind of treatment could a patient expect in an asylum during the 1800's? The abusive and neglectful conditions in 19th century asylums are the focus of a lesson that examines the work of reformers Nellie Bly, Dorothea Dix, and...

Dorothea Dix was an early 19th century activist who drastically changed the medical field during her lifetime.

This primary source set uses documents and photographs to tell the story of several women reformers of the early 1800s.

For this online interactive American history worksheet, students answer 20 matching questions regarding reform movements. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Encyclopaedia Britannica provides a biography of Dorothea Lynde Dix (1802-1887 CE), most noted for her report to the Massachusetts legislature about the inhumane conditions under which the mentally ill are held in prisons. Her report led...

Contains a portrait and brief biography of Dorothea Dix.

The early 19th century saw giant strides in social reform. Read about those who advocated for the mentally ill, deaf, and blind from the Digital textbook from University of Houston.

This page gives a brief biography of Dorothea Dix, nurse and social reformer, who was placed in charge of all the Union nurses in the Civil War. From the "Encyclopedia of the Civil War" by Suzanne LeVert.

Students discover that Dorothea Dix was the first to make the pubic aware of the terrible living conditions of people with mental illness in the 1800's. They evaluate the influence of citizen action on public policy.

Students examine the role of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with disabilities. They discuss President Pierce's veto of legislation she helped create. They address the rights and responsibilities of citizen's and the role of government.