“A knowledge of history is extremely useful; it lays before our eyes the great picture of the generations that have preceded us; and in relating the events which passed in their time…it lays before us the precepts of the wise…
of all ages…”– Laurent Clerc

This site is created as a resource for folks interested in learning more about Deaf History.  Please note that the site is truly a work in progress as more and more historical documents are uncovered.  The site consists of:

OVERVIEW:  in this section you will find a briefly history of the DEAF-WORLD in the United States as well as timelines.

PEOPLE:  The People section consists of brief biographies which frequently include writings, obituaries and other primary historical documents.

 PLACES and THINGS:  This section provides documents and images on particular topics such as the Milan 1880 Congress, Deaf Schools,  Gallaudet University,  Deaf Organizations, Literary Societies, the Little Paper Family and AG Bell.  In addition, there are documents discussing Deaf Teachers and Deaf Women in College.

QUOTES:  For fun, we have chosen some precious gems by our Deaf Ancestors and others.

VIDEOS:  The video section contains relevant historical clips from Deaf Mosaic,  a brief description of select historical figures with their name-signs (Who’s Who), as well as presentations and films.  A key part of this section are the Visual History Interviews we have collected.

While we limit ourselves to US Deaf History, the LINKS section will include information about Deaf people World Wide as well as other important websites related to Deaf history.

Thanks to Joan Naturale, RIT librarian and the folks at the Gallaudet University Archives (Mike Olsen and Donna Moore).  In addition, we thank literary and artistic creators for allowing us to use their works here.

If you have historical documents and information you would like to share with us, please email Vedtizsite@gmail.com

If I have seen a little further
it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.
–attributed to Sir Issac Newton

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives.   If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity
to do something. If we remember those times and places
—and there are so many—
where people have behaved magnificently,
this gives us the energy to act.
–Howard Zinn