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People - Laurent Clerc

A Father of Deaf Education in U.S.

By Jamie Berke, About.com

Updated: December 8, 2007

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Few deaf men in history have been as honored as Laurent Clerc, who played a pivotal role in bringing deaf education to America. Together with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, he was a founder of the American School for the Deaf, the first school for the deaf in the United States.

Books and Articles on Laurent Clerc

At least one book been written about Laurent Clerc:

  • Clerc: The Story of His Early Years - A novel by Cathryn Carroll that captures the boyhood of Laurent Clerc. (compare prices)

Videos with Laurent Clerc

DeBee Communications produced the educational video "Laurent Clerc, 1785-1869."

More Laurent Clerc Recognition

On the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. there is a dormitory named Clerc Hall. I remember that when I was a student, everyone wanted to live in Clerc Hall because it had suites.

The Laurent Clerc Cultural Fund is a permanent endowment at Gallaudet University. The Fund makes awards for a variety of purposes, including "outstanding social contributions by a deaf person."

Gallaudet University renamed its Pre-College National Mission Programs, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.

Future Laurent Clerc Honors

Efforts are currently under way to build a deaf-friendly town in South Dakota that will honor Clerc. This town will be called Laurent. Its developers have set up the website LaurentSD.com.

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