Deaf Culture

By George Dumars

  • Charles Michel De L’Eppe publishes a dictionary of French sign language.

  • First public free deaf school in the U.S. now known as the American School for the deaf is founded

  • At this time over 22 Deaf schools in the U.S.had been established

  • The first college for the deaf (National Deaf-Mute College) is opened

    The first college for the deaf (National Deaf-Mute College) is opened

  • Martha's Vineyard

    Martha's Vineyard

    Martha's Vineyard was an island off the coast of Massachusetts that also happened to be a deaf oasis in the 1800's. Some early Vineyard settlers carried a gene for deafness and over years of marriage, generation after generation was born with hearing loss. At one point 1 in 4 children born were deaf. Because of this sign language was developed there and became extremely popular. Deaf culture thrived. Almost everyone who lived there knew sign language, deaf or not.
  • The National Association of the Deaf is established in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    The National Association of the Deaf is established in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • British Deaf Association is founded

    British Deaf Association is founded

  • The National Deaf-Mute College is renamed Gallaudet College to honor Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

  • The first electric hearing aid is developed

    The first electric hearing aid is developed

  • Andrew Foster is the first African American to graduate Gallaudet College

    Andrew Foster is the first African American to graduate Gallaudet College

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