Helen Keller Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helen Keller Day |
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Helen Keller circa 1920
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| Observed by | United States of America |
| Type | National observance |
| Date | June 27 |
| Next time | June 27, 2025 |
| Frequency | annual |
Helen Keller Day is a special day to remember and celebrate the birthday of Helen Keller. It happens every year on June 27. This day was officially recognized in 2006 by a special announcement from the President of the United States. Many groups around the world, especially those that help people who are blind or deaf, also celebrate this day.
Who Was Helen Keller?
Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, and passed away on June 1, 1968. She was an amazing American writer, a person who worked for social change (a political activist), and a speaker. Helen Keller was the first person who was both deaf and blind to earn a college degree.
Her story is very famous. When she was a child, she became very sick and lost her sight and hearing. This made it hard for her to communicate. But her teacher, Anne Sullivan, helped her learn to understand the world and express herself. This incredible journey is shown in the play and movie called The Miracle Worker.
Helen Keller's childhood home, called Ivy Green, is in West Tuscumbia, Alabama. It is now a museum that hosts a special "Helen Keller Day" event each year.
How Helen Keller Day Started
The idea for Helen Keller Day began a long time ago. On March 27, 1980, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Leo P. Carlin, made the first official announcement. Before that, in 1960, the mayor of Annapolis, Maryland, Arthur G. Ellington, celebrated Helen Keller's 80th birthday.
On June 19, 1980, President Jimmy Carter made a special declaration, called a proclamation, to honor Helen Keller and all her achievements. This was done to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Many private groups also celebrate this day. Since 1971, the Lions Club International has observed June 1 as a special day. This remembers a speech Helen Keller gave on June 30, 1925. In that speech, she asked people to help the American Foundation for the Blind. Around the world, groups that help people with disabilities often celebrate this day.
Every year on June 27, a fashion show is held in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. This event helps raise money for good causes.
