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 from the Utah Association of the Deaf Museum Committee to bring our museum to life. With innovative ideas from Pamela Mower, we expanded our efforts to showcase the vibrant history of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This collaboration not only celebrated the community's rich cultural heritage but also promoted greater understanding and appreciation among visitors. We hope our work inspires future generations to recognize the contributions and achievements of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. I warmly invite you to explore this unique journey through our rich heritage by visiting the museum!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Pamela Mower. Courtesy of the Sanderson Community Center
Kenneth C. Burdett's Bulletin Boards
of the Utah School for the Deaf
of the Utah School for the Deaf
Kenneth C. Burdett, fondly known as "KB," was instrumental in preserving the history of the Utah School for the Deaf. After graduating from the school in 1929, he furthered his education at Gallaudet College, earning a degree in 1934. He returned to the Utah School for the Deaf to teach, where his legacy began.
In 1976, KB organized the first alum reunion, a significant event that brought former students together. He and his team created eight large bulletin boards, each 4 feet by 8 feet, showcasing historical photos of the school, using Mod Podge to ensure their lasting quality. This project allowed alums to reminisce about their time at the school and appreciate its storied history. The emotional impact of KB's dedication not only deepened bonds among former students but also led to the sharing of cherished stories and laughter as they reviewed the displays.
The displays encompassed various aspects of school life, including academics, sports, graduations, vocational programs, and student activities. KB's efforts were vital in preserving the school's legacy, fostering connections among alums, and encouraging them to hold onto their shared memories. These gatherings celebrated everyday experiences, fostering pride and unity while reinforcing the school's values and achievements.
In 1976, KB organized the first alum reunion, a significant event that brought former students together. He and his team created eight large bulletin boards, each 4 feet by 8 feet, showcasing historical photos of the school, using Mod Podge to ensure their lasting quality. This project allowed alums to reminisce about their time at the school and appreciate its storied history. The emotional impact of KB's dedication not only deepened bonds among former students but also led to the sharing of cherished stories and laughter as they reviewed the displays.
The displays encompassed various aspects of school life, including academics, sports, graduations, vocational programs, and student activities. KB's efforts were vital in preserving the school's legacy, fostering connections among alums, and encouraging them to hold onto their shared memories. These gatherings celebrated everyday experiences, fostering pride and unity while reinforcing the school's values and achievements.
Kenneth C. Burdett. Courtesy of Ronald C. Burdett
KB deserves recognition for his crucial contributions to preserving our school's rich history. Honoring his memory is just the beginning of our journey toward preservation. As alums and supporters of the Utah School for the Deaf, we share the responsibility of keeping this legacy alive. The bulletin boards currently stored in a warehouse in Ogden, Utah, remind us of the importance of maintaining accessible memories. These memories can serve as a bridge for future generations, allowing them to appreciate the experiences that have shaped our community.
In 2005, Bobby Giles, a graduate from the class of 1983, along with his team at Eye-Sign Media LLC, including Julio Diaz Jr. and Jim Harper, created a remarkable historical record. Their video, "Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah: Summer 2005," features insightful interviews with notable alumni, showcasing heartfelt stories that highlight the school's significance and the ongoing need for preservation.
Let's work together to cherish these memories for future generations! By collaborating on exhibits, events, and digital archives, we can celebrate our past and inspire continued engagement with our heritage. Together, we can ensure that the rich history and legacy of the Utah School for the Deaf remain alive and accessible, inspiring future generations to honor our unique heritage and commit to ongoing preservation efforts.
In 2005, Bobby Giles, a graduate from the class of 1983, along with his team at Eye-Sign Media LLC, including Julio Diaz Jr. and Jim Harper, created a remarkable historical record. Their video, "Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah: Summer 2005," features insightful interviews with notable alumni, showcasing heartfelt stories that highlight the school's significance and the ongoing need for preservation.
Let's work together to cherish these memories for future generations! By collaborating on exhibits, events, and digital archives, we can celebrate our past and inspire continued engagement with our heritage. Together, we can ensure that the rich history and legacy of the Utah School for the Deaf remain alive and accessible, inspiring future generations to honor our unique heritage and commit to ongoing preservation efforts.
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 graduate of the Idaho School for the Deaf, envisioned creating a museum for the Utah Deaf community during Harlan Fulmer's tenure as superintendent from 1978 to 1983. He proposed establishing the museum in the historic superintendent's residence on 20th Street, which held significant meaning for the community and symbolized the rich history and culture of Deaf individuals in Utah.
George aimed to gather cherished items from the past, including early-1900s photographs, feather-pen-written books, trophies, and other memorabilia that represented the Deaf community's legacy. Many older Deaf individuals were eager to contribute personal belongings and share their stories. For example, an alumnus wanted to donate a 1920s leather basketball, while another offered a dress she had made while at the school. The community's excitement was evident, as each item and story brought depth to the cultural heritage they sought to preserve.
However, despite widespread enthusiasm, the state of Utah decided not to fund the museum, leading to disappointment among community members and ultimately causing the museum plans to collapse. In 1979, the superintendent repurposed the residence into the Parent-Infant Program, which addressed the immediate needs of families in the area. Though the museum's lack of funding was a setback, it paved the way for innovative programs like the Parent-Infant Program, creating a legacy focused on community support rather than historic preservation.
George aimed to gather cherished items from the past, including early-1900s photographs, feather-pen-written books, trophies, and other memorabilia that represented the Deaf community's legacy. Many older Deaf individuals were eager to contribute personal belongings and share their stories. For example, an alumnus wanted to donate a 1920s leather basketball, while another offered a dress she had made while at the school. The community's excitement was evident, as each item and story brought depth to the cultural heritage they sought to preserve.
However, despite widespread enthusiasm, the state of Utah decided not to fund the museum, leading to disappointment among community members and ultimately causing the museum plans to collapse. In 1979, the superintendent repurposed the residence into the Parent-Infant Program, which addressed the immediate needs of families in the area. Though the museum's lack of funding was a setback, it paved the way for innovative programs like the Parent-Infant Program, creating a legacy focused on community support rather than historic preservation.
George Wilding, mid-1980s. Photo provided by George Wilding
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 dedicated graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf from the class of 1933, set out to create a museum that would honor the school's rich history. His deep affection for the institution was evident in his efforts to share its remarkable legacy. The Utah School for the Deaf was more than an educational establishment; it was a vibrant community and a source of pride. Sadly, after Ned's passing later that year, his dream of a museum remained unfulfilled, leaving a lasting reminder of his commitment to a place that mattered deeply to him and to the entire Utah Deaf community.
As time passed, especially in the late 1980s, the school's heritage began to face significant challenges, particularly with the trend of mainstreaming overshadowing its unique traditions, which led to a decline in enrollment and a diminished focus on the cultural practices that had defined the school for decades. The construction of the new Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Administration building in 1993 marked a pivotal moment, leading to painful changes that further altered its landscape. Ned's envisioned museum—intended to safeguard the school's rich history—lost its potential location. Tragically, cherished sports trophies were lost during the move, and many other important artifacts could not be displayed in the new facility due to space constraints. This situation deeply saddened the Utah Deaf community, leaving many feeling a profound sense of loss over items that represented treasured memories and a collective history. The emotions tied to these changes reflected a shared grief for a cherished past that had been vital in shaping their identities.
As time passed, especially in the late 1980s, the school's heritage began to face significant challenges, particularly with the trend of mainstreaming overshadowing its unique traditions, which led to a decline in enrollment and a diminished focus on the cultural practices that had defined the school for decades. The construction of the new Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Administration building in 1993 marked a pivotal moment, leading to painful changes that further altered its landscape. Ned's envisioned museum—intended to safeguard the school's rich history—lost its potential location. Tragically, cherished sports trophies were lost during the move, and many other important artifacts could not be displayed in the new facility due to space constraints. This situation deeply saddened the Utah Deaf community, leaving many feeling a profound sense of loss over items that represented treasured memories and a collective history. The emotions tied to these changes reflected a shared grief for a cherished past that had been vital in shaping their identities.
Ned C. Wheeler. Courtesy of Edith Deininger Wheeler
Establishing a Utah Deaf History Museum
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center
Robert G. Kerr, a 1959 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf, has played a vital role in our community as a board member of the Utah Association of the Deaf. He has been instrumental in the Utah Association of the Deaf Museum Committee's efforts, envisioning the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center as the ideal location for our museum. This center serves not only as a hub for cultural preservation but also as a space that promotes education and awareness about the rich history and contributions of the Deaf community in Utah. Robert's passion and dedication have inspired many to engage with and support this vital initiative.
Thanks to the support from the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, along with contributions from Philippe Montalette, President of the Utah Association of the Deaf, and Marilyn Tiller Call, Director of the Sanderson Community Center, this dream is becoming a reality.
Our museum is not just about preserving our history; it is a joyful celebration of our shared experiences and the unique spirit that makes our community special. This community-driven endeavor will foster connection and understanding, allowing us to honor our past while inspiring future generations. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we create a space that reflects our rich heritage and vibrant culture.
Thanks to the support from the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, along with contributions from Philippe Montalette, President of the Utah Association of the Deaf, and Marilyn Tiller Call, Director of the Sanderson Community Center, this dream is becoming a reality.
Our museum is not just about preserving our history; it is a joyful celebration of our shared experiences and the unique spirit that makes our community special. This community-driven endeavor will foster connection and understanding, allowing us to honor our past while inspiring future generations. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey as we create a space that reflects our rich heritage and vibrant culture.
Robert G. Kerr. Source: Facebook
A Museum at the
Idaho School for the Deaf
Idaho School for the Deaf
On another note, I want to highlight the inspiring work of David "Jerry" Wilding, an Idaho Deaf historian and brother of George Wilding. In 1975, he founded the museum at the Idaho School for the Deaf, which continues to thrive today. This museum serves as a vital resource for preserving the history and culture of the Deaf community in Idaho, offering educational programs and exhibits that celebrate their heritage. David "Jerry" Wilding's dedication has made a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to appreciate the rich contributions of Deaf individuals.
David "Jerry" Wilding. Courtesy of Cami Wilding
