LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 10, 2019) – Helen Keller is a name known around the world as a symbol of courage in the face of incredible odds, but that’s just one part of Helen’s story. Helen was a social justice warrior, writing a scathing letter to Nazi students before WWII, visiting Japan as American’s first Goodwill Ambassador after the atomic bombs were dropped, and shaping disability policies that are still bettering lives today.

American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is excited to announce a partnership with American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to bring the world’s largest collection of Helen Keller artifacts, and the AFB archives to Louisville. Having the historical collections from both organizations housed under one roof will give more people access, and inspire a new generation to demand equality for people with vision loss. AFB will provide its unique collections to APH through a long-term loan.

APH will design and install an expansive, new, accessible public exhibit in its existing museum, and will build a state-of-the art archival facility for these materials to be used by researchers. Centralizing core resources on the history of blindness that span from the early 17th century to the late 20th century solidifies Louisville both as a destination for disability studies, and fulfills AFB’s mission to facilitate research and education surrounding the history of vision loss. 

Visitors to the APH museum will be able to see Helen’s personal belongings and writings including her Oscar, her letter to Nazi students, and even her typewriter. The exhibit will be about more than artifacts: it will challenge how visitors see the world around them and show them how they can embody the characteristics that made Helen such an amazing person, and overcome their own barriers.

“For 25 years, APH has had a museum that highlights the history of the field of blindness. Our museum helps break down stereotypes and educate people about blindness,” said Craig Meador, APH President. “A partnership to share the history of Helen Keller and AFB just makes sense. APH itself is where disability rights began 161 years ago with a commitment to provide people who were blind with access to embossed books.”

“Helen Keller herself, being our organization’s most famous ambassador, recognized the need and importance of partnering with like-minded groups and individuals to fully effect positive social change,” says Kirk Adams, AFB President. “So, it is only fitting that we continue to collaborate with our longtime friends and colleagues at the American Printing House for the Blind to house these historic collections for the education and benefit of future generations.”

The media is invited to attend where interviews will be available with dignitaries, APH staff, as well as attendees.

News Conference

October 10, 10:30am

Location: American Printing House

1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville KY

For more information, contact:

Jonathan Wahl, American Printing House for the Blind

jwahl@aph.org 1-502-216-9075

John Mackin, American Foundation for the Blind

jmackin@afb.org 1-845-274-4468

About American Printing House for the Blind

The American Printing House for the Blind is a worldwide leader in designing innovative lifelong learning solutions for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. In this fast-changing world, we believe in the power and necessity of learning to open the doors to educational success, satisfying employment, social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal well-being. We level the learning playing field by providing specialized technology, materials, products, and services that are essential for education and life. The American Printing House for the blind is headquartered at 1839 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, please visit www.aph.org.

About the American Foundation for the Blind

Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. Visit: www.afb.org