The Utah Deaf History Museum
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Compiled & Written By Jodi Christel Becker
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2025
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2013
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
In 2014, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Robert Kerr, Julio Enriquez, and Nancy Christensen Li, who were all part of the Utah Association of the Deaf Museum Committee. Together, we worked to bring our museum to life. Thanks to Pamela Mower's fresh and innovative ideas, we were able to expand our efforts and share our vibrant history at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I warmly invite you to explore this unique journey through our rich heritage by visiting the museum whenever possible!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Pamela Mower
Kenneth C. Burdett's Bulletin Boards
of the Utah School for the Deaf
of the Utah School for the Deaf
Kenneth C. Burdett is a key figure in preserving the history of the Utah School for the Deaf. He graduated from the school in 1929 and went on to attend Gallaudet College, from which he graduated in 1934. He later returned to the school to teach.
In 1976, Kenneth organized the first reunion for alums, creating a wonderful opportunity for everyone to reconnect. He and his team designed eight impressive bulletin boards for this occasion, each measuring four by eight feet. They filled the boards with historical photos of the school and carefully protected them with Mod Podge to prevent deterioration. This project allowed alums to reflect fondly on their time at the school and appreciate its rich history for years to come.
The displays showcased a variety of moments from school life, including academics, sports, graduations, vocational programs, and student activities. Kenneth's hard work not only preserved the school's legacy but also fostered a sense of community among the alums, encouraging everyone to cherish the shared memories.
In 1976, Kenneth organized the first reunion for alums, creating a wonderful opportunity for everyone to reconnect. He and his team designed eight impressive bulletin boards for this occasion, each measuring four by eight feet. They filled the boards with historical photos of the school and carefully protected them with Mod Podge to prevent deterioration. This project allowed alums to reflect fondly on their time at the school and appreciate its rich history for years to come.
The displays showcased a variety of moments from school life, including academics, sports, graduations, vocational programs, and student activities. Kenneth's hard work not only preserved the school's legacy but also fostered a sense of community among the alums, encouraging everyone to cherish the shared memories.
Kenneth C. Burdett
It's great to reflect on how Kenneth's contributions helped safeguard so much of our school's rich history, but we need to remember that this is just the beginning of our preservation journey. As alums and supporters of the Utah School for the Deaf, we all share the responsibility to keep our school's legacy alive. The fact that the bulletin boards are currently tucked away in a warehouse in Ogden, Utah, reminds us just how crucial it is to keep our memories alive and accessible.
Back in 2005, Bobby Giles, who graduated in 1983, along with his talented team at Eye-Sign Media LLC—featuring Julio Diaz Jr. and Jim Harper—created a remarkable historical record. Their video, "Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah: Summer 2005," includes excellent interviews with notable alumni like Ronald C. Burdett, Darlene Stewart Cochran, and C. Roy Cochran. Their heartfelt stories and experiences truly highlight what makes our school so special and the importance of continuing our preservation efforts. Let's keep working together to cherish these memories for generations to come!
Back in 2005, Bobby Giles, who graduated in 1983, along with his talented team at Eye-Sign Media LLC—featuring Julio Diaz Jr. and Jim Harper—created a remarkable historical record. Their video, "Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah: Summer 2005," includes excellent interviews with notable alumni like Ronald C. Burdett, Darlene Stewart Cochran, and C. Roy Cochran. Their heartfelt stories and experiences truly highlight what makes our school so special and the importance of continuing our preservation efforts. Let's keep working together to cherish these memories for generations to come!
A Slideshow of
Kenneth C. Burdett's Bulletin Boards
Kenneth C. Burdett's Bulletin Boards
Photograph by Duane L. Kinner
Planning a Museum at the superintendent's House
at the Utah School for the Deaf
at the Utah School for the Deaf
George Wilding, a proud graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf, had an inspiring vision for the Utah Deaf community during Harlan Fulmer's tenure as superintendent from 1978 to 1983. He aimed to create a museum in the historic superintendent's residence on 20th Street, which many in the community regarded as a significant site in Utah.
George's idea was to collect cherished items from the past, such as photographs from the early 1900s, books written with feather pens, trophies, and other memorable accolades that highlighted the rich history of the Deaf community. Many older Deaf individuals were excited about the prospect of contributing their personal belongings and sharing their stories with future generations. For instance, one alumnus had an old leather basketball from the 1920s, while another woman expressed her desire to donate a beautiful dress she had crafted during her time at the school.
Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm and support from the community, the state of Utah chose not to fund the museum. This disappointing news left many community members feeling disheartened, and the plans for the museum ultimately did not come to fruition. In 1979, the superintendent decided to repurpose the former home into the Parent Infant Program, which still served an essential purpose for the community.
George's idea was to collect cherished items from the past, such as photographs from the early 1900s, books written with feather pens, trophies, and other memorable accolades that highlighted the rich history of the Deaf community. Many older Deaf individuals were excited about the prospect of contributing their personal belongings and sharing their stories with future generations. For instance, one alumnus had an old leather basketball from the 1920s, while another woman expressed her desire to donate a beautiful dress she had crafted during her time at the school.
Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm and support from the community, the state of Utah chose not to fund the museum. This disappointing news left many community members feeling disheartened, and the plans for the museum ultimately did not come to fruition. In 1979, the superintendent decided to repurpose the former home into the Parent Infant Program, which still served an essential purpose for the community.
George Wilding, mid-1980s
USD Superintendent's Residence
The Failure of Establishing a Museum
at Utah School for the Deaf
at Utah School for the Deaf
In 1981, Ned C. Wheeler, a proud graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf from the class of 1933, dedicated himself to an exciting project: creating a museum to celebrate the school's rich history. His passion and love for the institution were evident, and he aimed to share that history with everyone. Unfortunately, he passed away later that year, leaving behind a heartfelt legacy of commitment to the school he cherished.
As time passed, particularly in the late 1980s, the school's vibrant heritage faced challenges due to mainstreaming, which shifted the focus away from its unique traditions. The construction of the new USDB Administration building in 1993 brought about another change, as there was no longer space for the museum that Ned had envisioned. This decision deeply saddened the Utah Deaf community, as many were heartbroken to see the beloved sports trophies and other treasured artifacts relocated. The loss of these items was profoundly felt, as they represented cherished memories and a proud history for everyone connected to the school.
As time passed, particularly in the late 1980s, the school's vibrant heritage faced challenges due to mainstreaming, which shifted the focus away from its unique traditions. The construction of the new USDB Administration building in 1993 brought about another change, as there was no longer space for the museum that Ned had envisioned. This decision deeply saddened the Utah Deaf community, as many were heartbroken to see the beloved sports trophies and other treasured artifacts relocated. The loss of these items was profoundly felt, as they represented cherished memories and a proud history for everyone connected to the school.
Ned C. Wheeler
Establishing a Utah Deaf History Museum
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Robert G. Kerr, who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1959, has played a vital role in our community as a board member of the Utah Association of the Deaf. He's been a driving force behind the Utah Association of the Deaf Museum Committee, envisioning the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center as the perfect home for our museum. Thanks to the support from the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, along with contributions from Philippe Montalette, the President of the Utah Association of the Deaf, and Marilyn Tiller Call, the Director of the Sanderson Community Center, this dream is becoming a reality!
Our museum is not just about keeping our history alive; it's a joyful celebration of our shared experiences and the unique spirit that makes our community special.
Our museum is not just about keeping our history alive; it's a joyful celebration of our shared experiences and the unique spirit that makes our community special.
Robert G. Kerr
A Museum at the
Idaho School for the Deaf
Idaho School for the Deaf
On another note, there's also the inspiring work of David "Jerry" Wilding, an Idaho Deaf Historian and brother of George Wilding. In 1975, he founded a museum at the Idaho School for the Deaf that still thrives today. Isn't it wonderful to see such dedication and passion for preserving our stories?
David "Jerry" Wilding
