Overview
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.
Synopsis
From the PBS film, 200 photographs and text depict the American Deaf community and its place in our nation’s history.
Nancy Larrabee - Library Journal
This volume, a companion to a PBS documentary inspired by Gallaudet University's traveling social history exhibition "History Through Deaf Eyes," brings together a range of historical source materials, present-day commentary, and photographs to provide an eye-catching history of the deaf, and deaf education, in America. Here, Baynton (history, Univ. of Iowa), along with Jack Gannon and Jean Lindquist Bergey (both involved in the original project and exhibition), traces the social and educational struggles of these individuals. Of particular interest is the work by Rev. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who became interested in the education of a neighbor's deaf child and went on to become a pioneer in deaf education, and Alexander Graham Bell, whose wife and mother were deaf. The book traces Bell's criticism of residential schools, sign language, deaf teachers, and deaf marriage. The authors continue their history up to Gallaudet University's first deaf president, chosen in 1988 after students protested the selection of another hearing president. This informative and well-illustrated volume is recommended for undergraduate and large public libraries.
Editorials
Library Journal
This volume, a companion to a PBS documentary inspired by Gallaudet University's traveling social history exhibition "History Through Deaf Eyes," brings together a range of historical source materials, present-day commentary, and photographs to provide an eye-catching history of the deaf, and deaf education, in America. Here, Baynton (history, Univ. of Iowa), along with Jack Gannon and Jean Lindquist Bergey (both involved in the original project and exhibition), traces the social and educational struggles of these individuals. Of particular interest is the work by Rev. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who became interested in the education of a neighbor's deaf child and went on to become a pioneer in deaf education, and Alexander Graham Bell, whose wife and mother were deaf. The book traces Bell's criticism of residential schools, sign language, deaf teachers, and deaf marriage. The authors continue their history up to Gallaudet University's first deaf president, chosen in 1988 after students protested the selection of another hearing president. This informative and well-illustrated volume is recommended for undergraduate and large public libraries.
—Nancy Larrabee
School Library Journal
Adult/High School -This book is a companion to a public television documentary and a Smithsonian Institution exhibit. Most books about deafness revolve around Helen Keller; Deaf Eyes mentions her once, in relation to Alexander Graham Bell. He became a proponent of a philosophy that advocated the end of American Sign Language and warned against the dangers of a "deaf race" with deaf marrying deaf. Bell is not painted as a villain, but as an example of any outsider at odds with a minority that is trying to organize and grow stronger. Deafness cuts across all cultures, and the authors show how deaf people have had to fight to be recognized as intelligent and useful members of society. The photographs of individuals, schools, societies, and heroes bring their struggles and victories to life. This is the perfect resource for teens writing reports or those just wanting to learn about this condition that could affect anyone.-Will Marston, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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