Nora Hildebrandt

From BMEzine Encyclopedia

Nora Hildebrandt (sometimes recorded as "Hilderbrandt") was the first tattooed lady to appear 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 came onto the scene, Irene Woodward. Woodward quickly eclipsed Hildebrandt.