I thought it might be fun to rummage around the history books and take a look at some of the intrepid women who were instrumental in introducing and legitimizing the art of tattoos to the American and European public. Up until the 1960s, most of these women found circus sideshows, carnivals and dime museums as a way not only to display their body art but also earn a paycheck while doing so.Although this list is not totally comprehensive…I have chosen to include those women I feel contributed the most and are the most famous.
Nora Hildebrandt
Nora Hildebrandt (often misspelled as “Hilderbrandt”) was the first tattooed lady to make the scene in the United States. She made her debut at Bunnell’s Museum in New York City in 1882.
Nora was tattooed by her father Martin Hildebrandt and told a tale onstage similar to those used by tattooed men like Constantine. Nora claimed that her father tattooed her while they were held captive by Sitting Bull, at the chief’s command. Within weeks of her debut, another tattooed lady by the name of Irene Woodward stole the limelight. Woodward quickly overshadowed Hildebrandt
