Institutions and Communities

Items

• Alphabet for the Blind, from An Account of the New-York Institution for the Blind

  On the left page are some of the foundational bylaws for the institution, not unlike those written to establish a university. The right page contains a diagram entitled “Alphabet for the Blind,” along with a table and partial instructions for use. The letters are in Boston Line.
• “Pencil drawing by Lizzie” from the book The Mind Unveiled; or, A brief history of twenty-two imbecile children, by Isaac N. Kerlin.

  Created by a deaf and semi-mute girl named Lizzie while a student at the Pennsylvania Training School for Feeble-Minded Children, this drawing illustrates how children continued to communicate with the world in the form of artistic expression. The drawing depicts a flower colored in pencil.
• Kneass’ Philadelphia magazine for the blind, vol. 31, no. 1 (January 1, 1897)

  The magazine has raised text that mimics the English alphabet. This issue includes a poem about women’s strength, news on Queen Victoria, and advertisements. The article shown here details the story of a Christian missionary who goes to China to build a hospital and heals many using his advanced Western medical knowledge.
• Postcard from Jane E. Chase to Kansas Insane Asylum

  This small 3 x 5 postcard with address on the front and letter on the back is from a wife asking for information about her husband.