Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community

by Douglas C. Baynton, Jack R. Gannon, Jean Lindquist Bergey

In 2001, the Smithsonian Institution presented the landmark photographic exhibition History Through Deaf Eyes, representing nearly 200 years of United States deaf history. Drawing heavily on the extensive archives at Gallaudet University, the curators created an exhibition that drew more than 400,000 people viewed at the Smithsonian and in 12 cities during a five-year national tour. Its popularity prompted the production of a documentary film for national broadcast on the Public Broadcasting System. Now, the photographs, quotes, and stories from this remarkable exhibit and documentary have been assembled in a book of stunning beauty and poignant images, Through Deaf A Photographic History of an American Community .

       Featuring more than 200 full-color photographs, Through Deaf Eyes depicts the story of Deaf America and also affords readers the opportunity to learn about the nation’s broader history. The values and judgments of society have had an impact on the education, employment, and family life of deaf people, while historical eras often can be illuminated by examination through a Deaf lens. Photographs reveal the character of Deaf people in school settings, the workplace, during wartime, and using their cultural signature, American Sign Language. For both deaf and hearing readers, the Deaf community portrayed in Through Deaf Eyes offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the value of human difference.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2007

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book for anyone looking into the Deaf culture.

[BJ Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filling in part of history and human experience that should be but isn't widely know.
Wish I'd seen one of the museum exhibits! And since ASL is a visual language, I made a special effort to study the many images. . .

[Closeacademy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up because I wanted to know more about the school that my third times great grandfather attended from 1849 to 1851 with his older brother. He had a daughter who also attended the school. They all went to the Kentucky School for the Deaf in Danville, KY.

There are some pictures in the book from that school. It is very interesting to read about the deaf community and culture. I myself am hard of hearing.

Very good and informative book to read. I learned a lot.

[Kristy Lichtenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its amazing and gaining knowledge about the Deaf History. Love those photography. Best Book! I would recommend to anyone to get this book if study ASL and Deaf Cultures/History.

-Deaf and ASL mentor/Teach ASL

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so interesting! I loved the visual history as well as new perspectives on history I thought I understood. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Brad McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of notes for this one. So, my review is here.

[Tom Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and our friend watched with me on PBS special about "Through Deaf Eyes" when it first aired back in 2007 and though it was a very good show. It inspired us to get that book which was recommended by this show.

[Jason]

on page 50

[Iroquois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful photographic history of Deaf America, this book is a companion to a great PBS documentary of the same title.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful photos, and check out the companion documentary by PBS as well for a fuller experience