“Here stands a tribute to a visionary.” That sums up the Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue. We are standing before a monument to a man who championed sign language and deaf education. The Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue honors the first president of Gallaudet University.
Edward Miner Gallaudet was more than just an educator. He was a staunch advocate. He believed in the power of sign language for the deaf. His work transformed deaf education in America.
Gallaudet’s legacy began with his father Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. Thomas co-founded the first deaf school in North America. It is now known as the American School for the Deaf. Edward’s mother, Sophia Fowler Gallaudet, was deaf. She was also one of his father’s first students.
After graduating from Hartford High School, Edward worked at a bank. Later, he joined his father’s school. He also studied at Trinity College. In 1857, a pivotal moment arrived. Amos Kendall, a philanthropist, asked Gallaudet to lead a new school in Washington DC. This school was called the Columbia Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind. Gallaudet accepted. He served from 1857 to 1910.
In 1864, Gallaudet achieved a milestone. He secured college status for the Columbia Institution from President Abraham Lincoln. It became the National Deaf-Mute College. Later, it was renamed the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. Edward Miner Gallaudet remained president. He also chaired the board of directors until 1911.
Gallaudet’s contributions earned him many honorary degrees. These included a Master of Arts from Trinity College. He also received Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Columbian University. Yale University also awarded him a Doctor of Laws.
After retiring, Gallaudet returned to Hartford. He died at the age of 80. In 1954, Congress changed the college’s name to Gallaudet College. In 1986, it became Gallaudet University. The Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue that we see today stands as a symbol of his dedication.
The Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue serves as a reminder. It reminds us of one man’s commitment to education and equality. It also honors his profound impact on the deaf community. The unveiling of the Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue in 1969 was a momentous occasion. It celebrated his life. It also celebrated his enduring influence.