Pennsylvania School for the Deaf facts for kids
The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is the third-oldest school of its kind in the United States. It was started by David G. Seixas, a man from Philadelphia who cared about deaf children who didn't have much help. The school's buildings, both old and new, are important historical places.
It is one of four special schools in Pennsylvania that get support from the state. The others are the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, the Overbrook School for the Blind, and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
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History of the School
Quick facts for kids |
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Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf and Dumb
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The old campus
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Wilson Brothers & Company Cope & Stewardson |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000999 |
| Added to NRHP | May 9, 1985 |
In 1819, David Seixas started helping deaf children in his own home. He gave them food, clothes, and taught them. Soon, more space was needed for all the children. So, he rented an office in Philadelphia to use as a school.
In 1821, important people in Philadelphia decided to help Seixas. They created a charity called the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. The state of Pennsylvania officially recognized the organization. It was meant to be a school where both rich and poor deaf children could learn. The state also provided money to help. Bishop William White was the school's president until 1836.
More and more deaf children needed special education. Because of this, a much larger school building was soon needed. This new building was finished in 1826. It was built in the Greek Revival style and is still standing today. It is located at Broad and Pine Streets in Philadelphia.
This building is an important example of work by famous 19th-century architects. These include John Haviland, William Strickland, and Frank Furness.
Moving to New Campuses
In 1892–1893, the Pennsylvania School moved to a new, larger campus. This campus was about 70 acres in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. The old building at Broad and Pine Streets was then bought by the University of the Arts. It is now known as Dorrance Hamilton Hall. It is the oldest building still standing on Broad Street.
Since 1984, the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf has been in the Germantown area of Philadelphia. It uses several buildings from the Old Germantown Academy. The school helps students from age 3 to 18, from preschool through high school.
The Pennsylvania School is one of four private schools supported by the state. The state pays for most of its costs. This means that eligible students can attend without paying tuition. The school also relies on donations from people who want to help. There is also a center on campus that helps deaf and hard of hearing adults.
Historic Recognition
The former campus at 7500 Germantown Avenue was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1985. The 1826 building on Broad Street is also part of a historic district listed on the NRHP. The current buildings are part of the Old Germantown Academy, which was added to the NRHP in 1972.
Notable Students
Artists Albert Newsam and John Carlin both attended the school. They started there in 1820.
See also
- Emma Garrett
