Did you know Helen Keller visited Andover? Over the course of her life, Helen traveled the world, learning about the people and places around her without the abilities to see or hear.
Many may not know that Helen Keller is an important part of local Andover history. In May of 1891, Helen Keller came to visit the Abbot Academy on School Street. Helen visited at the age of 13 with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, for the first of several overnight visits. During a tour of the Academy Helen laid her hands upon casts of Nero, Jupiter, and Niobe. She named the individual sculptures by only using her sense of touch and knowledge of history.
The Andover Historical Society’s newest program, based on the life of Helen Keller, includes stories and activities that teach children about living with physical disabilities in the past and present. To prepare for this program, AHS volunteer, Holly Heinzer, has looked into the Society’s collection and has found a fascinating history of individuals from Andover who lived with disabilities, most intriguing maybe the story of the Richard and Abigail Carter. Of their eleven children five were blind: two daughters and three sons. Four of whom were among the first pupils at the Perkins School for the blind.
Check out our events calendar to see all of our upcoming programs and to sign your child up for Helen Keller’s Visit to Andover. Our next group event is coming up in April, but if you would like schedule any of our programs call 978-475-2236 or email ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org
Tags: AHS, Andover Historical Society, Helen Keller, programs