Perkins School for the Blind
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Perkins School for the Blind is a learning center for people who are blind, deafblind, or have multiple disabilities. The school was founded by John Dix Fisher in 1829 as the "'New England Asylum for the Blind'", and currently is located in Watertown, Massachusetts. The curriculum emphasizes accessible learning and individual independence. Samuel Gridley Howe served as the institution's first director, from 1831-1876. Famous former students include Laura Bridgman, Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller.
In the 21st century, the words 'asylum' and 'institution' have pejorative connotations, but in the 19th century they meant 'place of refuge' and 'school', respectively.
The school is named in honor of Thomas Handasyd Perkins, a wealthy and visually-impaired 19th century Boston shipping merchant, who was one of the organization's incorporators. In 1833 the school outgrew the Pleasant Street house of Howe's father, and Perkins donated his Pearl Street mansion as the school's second home. In 1839 Perkins sold the mansion and donated the proceeds. This gift allowed the purchase of a more spacious building in South Boston. In 1885, six acres were purchased in the Hyde Square section of Jamaica Plain to build a kindergarten. The school moved to its present Watertown campus in the autumn of 1912.
