Letter from Helen Keller to Dr. Farrell, Director of Perkins School for the Blind
Item Information
- Title:
- Letter from Helen Keller to Dr. Farrell, Director of Perkins School for the Blind
- Description:
-
October 6th 1937 / Dear Dr. Farrell:- / It is a bright note in my rather wearisome hospital experience-- the news that the 100th anniversary of Laura Bridgman's introduction to language is soon to be celebrated in her home town, Hanover, New Hampshire. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be present on that appealing occasion, but since I cannot, I send this word of greeting. / With ever new gratitude I bless Dr. Samuel G. Howe who believed, and therefore was able to raise that child soul from a death-in-life existence to knowledge and joy. The remembrance thrills me afresh of the first deaf-blind person in the world to be taught whom I met in the first glad days of my own awakening. Again I feel the dainty lace lengthen as her lovely hands ply the needles. I dwell on her deliverance so radiant with Christ's Teaching that faith is might to save and to bless. Sadly I wonder why since that inspiring event so few doubly handicapped children have been sought out and led back to the sunshine of human intercourse. / It is well for us to rejoice together in Laura Bridgman's triumph over a cruel fate, but in a true sense her anniversary cannot be celebrated until the hundreds of beseeching, broken lives of which hers was one are healed with renewing love and the power of the mind. Each one neglected is a denial of the right of every human being to education and opportunity. / But a work with the shining resources of God and the wealth of a great country behind it will surely grow. Laura Bridgman's 100th anniversary will stir others to labor, to counsel, to gather means of reaching all the teachable deaf-blind and making their dark silence blossom with friendship and content. / Full of an unceasing prayer for those whose limitations I bear, I lay my hand in spirit upon this memorial table, and await a yet greater miracle. / Sincerely yours, Helen Keller
- Author:
- Keller, Helen, 1880-1968
- Name on Item:
-
Helen Keller
- Date:
-
1937
- Format:
-
Letters/Correspondence
Manuscripts
- Location:
-
Perkins School for the Blind
Samuel P. Hayes Research Library - Collection (local):
-
Laura Bridgman Collection
- Series:
- Centenary Ceremony, 1937
- Subjects:
-
Blind
Deafblind people
People with disabilities
Special education
Perkins School for the Blind
Bridgman, Laura Dewey, 1829-1889
Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind
Farrell, Gabriel
Keller, Helen, 1880-1968
- Extent:
- 1 letter
- Permalink:
- https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/xd07m465g
- Terms of Use:
-
Samuel P. Hayes Research Library, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA
Contact host institution for more information.
- Notes:
-
Letter from Helen Keller to Dr. Farrell, Director of Perkins School for the Blind thanking him and declining the invitation to the 100th anniversary of Laura Bridgman's introduction to language on account of a medical issue.
- Accession #:
-
AG59-18-00211
