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Curated by Brent M. Colley, Heather Morgan and Lisa
Burghardt
"He entered into my limited world with enthusiasm
just as he might have explored Mars. Blindness was
an adventure that kindled his curiosity. He treated
me not as a freak, but as a handicapped woman seeking
a way to circumvent extraordinary difficulties. There
was something of divine apprehension in this rare
naturalness towards those who differ from others in
external circumstances."
-Helen Keller on meeting Mark Twain
Their paths crossed at pivotal points in both their
lives: A series of failed business ventures had pushed
Twain into bankruptcy and Keller was being pressured
to decide whether she should continue with her studies
or devote herself to the cause of the deaf and blind.
In a roundabout way, it was Henry H. Rogers who championed
for both of them, corrected their situations and fortified
a friendship that would continue until Twain's passing
and beyond.
This exhibit is a celebration of their friendship and
the interesting parallels between these world-renowned
individuals who just happened to select Easton and Redding,
Connecticut as their final residences.
Helen Keller's arrival at Stormfield (Twain's Redding
Home) on January 9, 1909.
Mark Twain and Helen Keller's
Relationship will be showcased at
Mark Twain Library
439 Redding Road, Redding, Connecticut
Curated by Brent M. Colley, Heather Morgan and Lisa
Burghardt
This exhibit has been made
possible by donations to the History
of Redding website and the generous
assistance of Helen Selsdon, archivist at the American
Foundation of the Blind in New York City.
Donations
to AFB can be made online.
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