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Edward Miner Gallaudet

Edward Miner Gallaudet (February 5, 1837– September 26, 1917), son of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, was a famous early educator of the deaf in Washington, DC. Little is known about Edward Miner's childhood. However, it is known that at the age of 16 he worked at a bank in Hartford, Connecticut which he found dull. He promptly quit this job and joined the staff at the American Asylum for the Deaf (now called the American School for the Deaf) in Hartford, Connecticut and began his educational career as a teacher. While he was teaching, Edward Miner continued his education at Trinity College in Hartford and received his masters and doctorate degrees.

In 1857, Amos Kendall donated two acres of land for the establishment of a school for the deaf and blind in Washington, D.C. He asked Edward Miner to come to Washington to help lead this school. Edward Miner quickly agreed and became the first principal of the Columbia Instution for the Deaf and Blind.

In 1864, Edward Miner Gallaudet soughted college status for the Columbia Institution and got it when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law which authorized the Columbia Institution to award college degrees--a law which was not strictly necessary, but which Edward Gallaudet desired. This first college of the deaf became Gallaudet University.

Edward Miner Gallaudet was the president of Gallaudet College/Columbia Institution for 40 years. He was a staunch advocate of sign language. He did recognize the value of speech training, however he also recognized that speech training was not for everyone.

After retiring from Gallaudet College, Edward Miner Gallaudet returned to his hometown of Hartford, Connecticut.

A statue commemorating Gallaudet's life and works resides on the campus of Gallaudet University.

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