Out of the Darkness

In April 1874, New York City witnessed a groundbreaking event as nine-year-old Mary Ellen Wilson became the first child in America rescued from severe abuse. Having endured unimaginable cruelty in her home, her plight caught the attention of missionary Etta Wheeler, who, with the help of Henry Bergh's ASPCA, worked tirelessly to secure her freedom. This pivotal moment not only saved Mary Ellen but also led to the establishment of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, marking a significant step in child welfare. This audiobook explores the dramatic story of Mary Ellen's life and the efforts that changed the course of child protection in the United States.