By : Michaela Kihntopf

 Gallaudet University is a school that focuses on deaf people getting an education. It is a college that is mostly used for deaf people, but hearing people sometimes attend to learn about deaf culture. Gallaudet even has deaf professors! What Is It

In 1856 Amos Kendall was approached by a man seeking money to fund a school for deaf and blind children. The man had brought several deaf and blind children with him. Kendall learned that the children were very poor and took them in as his wards. He used 2 acres of his land to build the school, which started with 6 blind and 12 deaf students. The Beginning

 In 1857 Congress hired Dr. Edward Miner Gallaudet, (whose father founded the first school for the deaf in America), as the schools first superintendent. Gallaudet's mother, who was deaf, became the school’s matron. The school was at this time named the Columbia Institution. Gallaudet Growing Dr. Edward Miner Gallaudet

 In 1864 Congress authorized the school to give college degrees. Gallaudet was made president of the college and Amos Kendall became chairman of the schools board of directors. 8 students were enrolled in the college and it became known as the National College for the Deaf and Dumb.

In 1865 the 9 blind students at the school got transferred top the Maryland Institution for the Blind. The school was now called the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. The college division changed it’s name to the National Deaf-Mute College.

In 1867 Gallaudet toured Europe searching for other ways used in deaf schools around the world. When he returned speech and lip-reading classes were added to the school. These classes would help students to better communicate in public places.

In 1869 Amos Kendall died, leaving his 81 acres he had still owned to the school. Fun Fact: The President signs all diplomas from the University. This started in Ulysses S. Grant was the first president to do this. Amos Kendall In 1888 women became allowed to attend the college, being housed on the 3 rd floor of the presidents house.

In 1893 the name of the college became Gallaudet College in honor of T. H. Gallaudet, who was the father of Edward Miner Gallaudet. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

In 1988 the students attending Gallaudet protested against the schools principal. They felt that there should be a deaf principal, not a hearing one. The students stormed the area outside of their school with signs and posters. Doesn’t that sound like fun!!

 I don’t know if these people went to Gallaudet but I just thought I should add something about them. Marlee Matlin: Deaf Actress Sean Berdy: Deaf Actor Kayla LaBruno: Miss Deaf USA Katie Leclerc: Deaf Actress

l m Google Images