The Women of the Kindergarten for the Blind

To celebrate Women’s History Month the Jamaica Plain Historical Society welcomes Jen Hale, Lead Archivist of the Perkins School for the Blind. Jen will talk about the remarkable women associated with the Kindergarten for the Blind in Jamaica Plain during the late 19th century. The Kindergarten was the first of its kind in the United States and had considerable support from prominent women in the Boston area, including Isabella Stewart Gardner, Louisa May Alcott, and an eleven year old Helen Keller. After opening its doors to students in 1887, the Kindergarten was staffed by several exceptional women and some of the lasting impacts of their innovations may be surprising to audiences. The Kindergarten for the Blind was located where the MSPCA/Angell campus is today.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The program will use a hybrid format. We would love to see you in person or you can sign up to attend via Zoom using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3g_paYtfTNqtkM_l_SNq5Q

Please note that In the event the Boston Public Library closes due to heavy snow, the event will only be held via Zoom.

Image courtesy of the Perkins School for the Blind Archives.