Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community

Front Cover
Galludet University Press, 2007 - History - 156 pages

In 2001, the Smithsonian Institution presented the landmark photographic exhibition History Through Deaf Eyes, representing nearly 200 years of United States deaf history. Drawing heavily on the extensive archives at Gallaudet University, the curators created an exhibition that drew more than 400,000 people viewed at the Smithsonian and in 12 cities during a five-year national tour. Its popularity prompted the production of a documentary film for national broadcast on the Public Broadcasting System. Now, the photographs, quotes, and stories from this remarkable exhibit and documentary have been assembled in a book of stunning beauty and poignant images, Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community.

Featuring more than 200 full-color photographs, Through Deaf Eyes depicts the story of Deaf America and also affords readers the opportunity to learn about the nation's broader history. The values and judgments of society have had an impact on the education, employment, and family life of deaf people, while historical eras often can be illuminated by examination through a Deaf lens. Photographs reveal the character of Deaf people in school settings, the workplace, during wartime, and using their cultural signature, American Sign Language. For both deaf and hearing readers, the Deaf community portrayed in Through Deaf Eyes offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the value of human difference.

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Contents

Introduction
1
CHAPTER
10
IO The Advent of Deaf Education in the United States
11
Copyright

13 other sections not shown

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About the author (2007)

Douglas Baynton is Associate Professor of History at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Jack R. Gannon has built an impressive record of service as a teacher, coach, university administrator, and author. He holds an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet University, where he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame and named a Sesquicentennial Visionary Leader. The World Federation of the Deaf bestowed the International Solidarity Merit Award, First Class, to Jack and his wife, Rosalyn Gannon, for immeasurable contributions to global Deaf communities. Gannon's numerous books have earned him honors including the National Association of the Deaf's Distinguished Service Award. His previous publications include Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America, Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community, The Week the World Heard Gallaudet, and The World Federation of the Deaf: A History. Jean Lindquist Bergey is the Director of the History Through Deaf Eyes Project at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

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