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June 27, 1880
Helen Keller was born in Tuscambia, Alabama. Her birthplace was called "Ivy Green". It is now a historic museum commemorating the life of Helen Keller.
Helen Keller Read Aloud -
January 27, 1882
At around 19 months old, Helen Keller lost her hearing and eyesight. Her mom noticed changes in Keller including her being unresponsive to the dinner bell or a hand waving in her face. Helen's Illness -
June 27, 1885
Martha Washington, the family cook's daughter, created a sign language to communicate with Helen. This however did not help with Helen's behaviors of acting out and becoming frustrated easily. Helen's Childhood -
1886
Helen’s mother took her to a specialist, Dr. Chisholm. The specialist recommended Alexander Graham Bell, who worked with deaf children at the time. Mr. Bell referred her to Perkins Institution. There Anne Sullivan began working with her.
Link to website to read more about Alexander Graham Bell & Helen's friendship -
1887
Helen had a breakthrough! Sullivan poured water over her hands signaling "water". Helen began to recognize simple words. Water Scene from the Miracle Worker -
March 3, 1887
Sullivan began working with Keller in her home. Helen was six years old at the time. She began teaching Helen simple words and phrases. Helen Keller's life and how Anne Sullivan impacted her. -
1894
Helen was 13 years old when she and Ms. Sullivan moved to New York City. She attended Wright-Humason School for the Deaf from 1894-1896. She worked on communication skills and studied regular academics.
Wright-Humason School of the Deaf -
1896
Helen attended Cambridge School for Young Ladies. The purpose of the school is to prepare young women for Radcliffe College. At this time she has already mastered several forms of communication (touch-lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and finger-spelling. Keller also wrote a book: The Story of My Life, with the help of Anne Sullivan and John Macy (Ms. Sullivan's future husband) Try the Brail Games! -
July 4, 1899
Helen received acceptance into Radcliff College as well as her teacher Anne. Anne would attend to assist Helen.
Radcliffe College -
1904
Helen graduates at the age of 24. Her success showed the world that disabilities should not define you.
Helen's thoughts about Radcliffe -
1936
Helen was a very prominent political woman. She was a world known author and speaker, speaking for those with disabilities. Anne Sullivan died this year. -
1961
Keller began having health problems. She spent the rest of her life in Connecticut, at her home. -
June 1, 1968
Helen passed away in her sleep at 87 years old. Her life was an inspiration to so many. The quote describes Helen's mental view on the world.
