She’s widely recognized as an icon of deaf culture, and her story played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of what would become Connecticut’s American School for the Deaf. Known for being a key inspiration behind the school’s establishment, she holds a special place in history as one of its six original students when it first opened its doors in April 1817. Before rising to such significance, her life took a difficult turn at just two years old when she lost her hearing due to cerebrospinal meningitis—commonly called “spotted fever” at the time. Tragically, both she and her father passed away within days of each other, with him dying first and she following just thirteen days later. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the strength and resilience embedded in deaf culture. She remains a symbol of perseverance, and her name is still honored today in the halls of education and advocacy she helped pioneer.
There are statues of her alongside Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, and you can find them at both the American School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University. She’s truly honored in these places, standing side by side with Gallaudet as a lasting tribute. Her legacy lives on through these monuments, especially at institutions that carry forward the mission she helped shape. It’s inspiring to see her remembered so prominently at both locations—places where education and advocacy continue to thrive.