“Ivy Lee: New Revelations on his Life and Work”

On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, we took a deep dive into the life and influence of the “other Father of PR,” Ivy Lee (1877–1934), based on newly-discovered artifacts and writings. Never-before-seen papers from Lee will were revealed, including an unpublished manuscript Lee wrote in the 1920s that foretold contemporary expressions of public relations from driving political movements to fake news.     

Dr. Ray Hiebert, the well-known biographer of Ivy Lee (Courtier to the Crowd), presented an intimate portrayal of the man best known for his work with the Rockefellers, pioneering the practice of crisis management and the invention of the press release — all more than a century ago. Hiebert was interviewed by Dr. Burton St. John III, professor and Ivy Lee historian at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. Both scholars were presented live via Skype, and answered questions from callers around the world.

Professor Fraser Seitel emceed the event. Seitel teaches graduate-level public relations and corporate communication, New York University, and author of several widely-used textbooks on public relations.

The event was produced by The Museum of Public Relations and sponsored in part by Corporate Communication International (CCI).