The Purpose of this Website
I initially considered writing a book about Utah Deaf history and culture. After careful consideration, however, I concluded that a digital library website would provide greater accessibility and allow historical information to reach a wider audience.
Several factors influenced this decision. Over time, the impact of the residential school in Ogden changed as oral education and mainstream educational approaches became more common at the Utah School for the Deaf during the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, the Utah Deaf community evolved, creating new challenges and opportunities for preserving and sharing its history. In addition, publishing and distributing a book can be costly and limits the ability to update information as new materials and discoveries emerge.
The primary goal of this website is to preserve and share Utah Deaf history through a freely accessible digital library. Unlike a printed book, a website can be continually updated with new research, photographs, documents, and historical information. By making these resources available online, I hope to encourage a greater understanding of the people, events, and experiences that have shaped the Utah Deaf community.
Several factors influenced this decision. Over time, the impact of the residential school in Ogden changed as oral education and mainstream educational approaches became more common at the Utah School for the Deaf during the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, the Utah Deaf community evolved, creating new challenges and opportunities for preserving and sharing its history. In addition, publishing and distributing a book can be costly and limits the ability to update information as new materials and discoveries emerge.
The primary goal of this website is to preserve and share Utah Deaf history through a freely accessible digital library. Unlike a printed book, a website can be continually updated with new research, photographs, documents, and historical information. By making these resources available online, I hope to encourage a greater understanding of the people, events, and experiences that have shaped the Utah Deaf community.
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf on May 20, 1927. An old truck with piles of students is parked behind the Annex Building and a fire escape cylinder. Seated on the bumper is Wayne Stewart. Standing to his right is Cyrus Freston. Kenneth Burdett is standing tall above the cab of the truck. The first two standing nearest in the bed of the truck are Joseph Burnett (left) and Verl Throup (right). Photo courtesy of Keith E. Stewart
Many members of the Utah Deaf community remember the residential school in Ogden as a place where they found a shared language, culture, and sense of belonging. To accurately reflect the historical context of the period discussed on this website, I may refer to the school as the "residential school," "Ogden residential school," "state school," or "institution," depending on the source material and historical setting.
This website also seeks to document the efforts of Utah Deaf leaders who worked to preserve their language, heritage, and culture. Its purpose is educational and historical. The goal is not to criticize individuals or organizations, but rather to present historical information that contributes to a more complete understanding of Utah Deaf history.
If you discover any inaccuracies or would like to share additional information, photographs, documents, or other historical materials, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I am committed to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of this work and greatly appreciate community input and collaboration.
Thank you for visiting the Utah Deaf History website. I hope you find it informative, educational, and enjoyable.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
This website also seeks to document the efforts of Utah Deaf leaders who worked to preserve their language, heritage, and culture. Its purpose is educational and historical. The goal is not to criticize individuals or organizations, but rather to present historical information that contributes to a more complete understanding of Utah Deaf history.
If you discover any inaccuracies or would like to share additional information, photographs, documents, or other historical materials, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I am committed to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of this work and greatly appreciate community input and collaboration.
Thank you for visiting the Utah Deaf History website. I hope you find it informative, educational, and enjoyable.
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Students at the Utah School for the Deaf, 1928-1930. Back L-R: Wayne Stewart, William Woodward, Alton Fisher, John (Jack) White, Joseph Burnett, possible Leon Edwards, Arvel Christensen, Virgil Greenwood, ____ Front L-R: J. Sherwood Messerly, Rodney Walker, Melvin Penman, Wesley Perry, Verl Throup, _____. Photo courtesy of Keith E. Stewart
"Dr. Grant B. Bitter's
educational philosophy has
significantly impacted the Utah Deaf community and the Utah School for the Deaf, shaping both oral and mainstream educational practices."
~Jodi Christel Becker~
educational philosophy has
significantly impacted the Utah Deaf community and the Utah School for the Deaf, shaping both oral and mainstream educational practices."
~Jodi Christel Becker~
