Details:

Thomas H. Gallaudet rare autographed handwritten quotation (AQS) on a 5.5 x 1.75” slip of paper. In his own hand, Gallaudet writes:

“It is one of the triumphs of Christianity, that the deaf and dumb are taught the truths of the Gospel.”

He signs beneath, “T. H. Gallaudet.” A scarce and highly desirable autograph from one of the pioneering educators in American history, expressing the philosophy that guided his life’s work on behalf of the deaf community.

This is a particularly meaningful manuscript from Gallaudet, as the quotation reflects his lifelong belief that education should be accessible to all regardless of physical limitations. More than a simple autograph, the piece encapsulates the mission that defined his career and helped transform deaf education in the United States.

Approximately 7 x 2" in size. Fine condition.

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (1787–1851) was the pioneering American educator who, together with Laurent Clerc and Dr. Mason Cogswell, founded the first permanent school for the deaf in North America. His interest in deaf education began in 1814 after meeting Alice Cogswell, the nine-year-old deaf daughter of his neighbor, Dr. Mason Cogswell. Gallaudet began teaching Alice informally before traveling to Europe in 1815 to study methods of educating deaf students. In Paris he studied under Abbé Roch-Ambroise Sicard and learned from renowned deaf educators Laurent Clerc and Jean Massieu. Persuading Clerc to accompany him back to America, Gallaudet helped establish the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons in Hartford, which opened on April 15, 1817, and later became the American School for the Deaf. Alice Cogswell was among its first seven students. After stepping down as principal in 1830, Gallaudet devoted himself to writing educational and religious works, served as chaplain of the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane, and continued teaching in Hartford. His legacy remains foundational to deaf education in America, and he was honored with a 20-cent U.S. postage stamp in the Great Americans series in 1983.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11364 1416604-1