EVANGELICAL WOMEN IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1800; ANN SULLIVAN P/81

                                                                                                                                                                               

In this post I will continue to focus on a woman named Ann Sullivan. She lived from 1866 - 1936. The summer after Ann graduated, Arthur Keller contacted Perkins School for the Blind to ask if they could recommend someone to teach his and blind and deaf daughter. 

Ann was recommended for the position and she moved into the home of Helen Keller as her teacher. Over time Ann evolved from teacher to governess and finally to companion and friend. Their relationship lasted 49 years.

Anne began teaching Helen by spelling out each word into her palm. Within six months this method proved to be working since Helen had learned 575 words, some multiplication tables and the Braille system.

Ann strongly encouraged Helen's parents to send her to the Perkins School, where she could have an appropriate education. Once they had agreed, Ann took Helen to Boston in 1888 and stayed with her there. Ann continued to teach her protege. who soon became famous for her remarkable progress.