Marie Mattingly Meloney

Born in Bardstown, Kentucky, Marie Mattingly Meloney became one of the most influential American magazine editors of her era. She wrote and edited for major publications including The Delineator, the New York Herald Tribune Sunday magazine, and This Week, building a reputation for sharp editorial instincts and a strong interest in public service.

Meloney is best known for organizing the successful 1920s fundraising drive that purchased radium for Marie Curie, an effort that brought science, philanthropy, and publicity together in a striking way. She also used her position in publishing to support campaigns for better housing and other civic causes.

She often appeared professionally as Mrs. William B. Meloney and was also known as "Missy." Later accounts describe her as a friend and confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt, reflecting the reach she had in journalism, politics, and reform circles during the first half of the 20th century.