Why the Website?

I initially planned to write a book about Utah Deaf History and Culture, but I ultimately decided that creating a digital library website would be a more accessible option. I feel strongly about preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of the Utah Deaf community, and this decision was influenced by several important factors.

  • The impact of residential school in Ogden, Utah, decreased over time, and oral education and mainstreaming became more prevalent at the Utah School for the Deaf in the 1950s and 1960s. Consequently, the number of Utah Deaf community members decreased, and fewer graduates purchased the book.
  • Due to the significant reduction in the number of people who graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf, many of the older generations of graduates who valued language, heritage, and culture may not be around to buy the book.
  • There is a slim chance that younger people who have graduated from mainstream settings will buy it.

Publishing a book can be expensive and may not be a wise investment. The primary goal of this project is to keep Utah Deaf history alive by establishing an easily accessible digital library website. We will continuously update the site with historical information about the events that have shaped the Utah Deaf community. Instead of letting a book collect dust on a shelf, anyone interested in learning more about Utah Deaf History and Culture can visit the website freely.
Picture
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)
Many members of the Utah Deaf community cherish their memories of residential school, where they could connect through a common language, culture, and identity—often referring to it as "home." To accurately represent the history of Ogden's Residential School and the impact of oral and mainstreaming methods used there, I will refer to it as "institution," "Ogden's Residential School," or "state school" throughout this website.

This site also serves as a platform to educate others about the efforts made by Utah's Deaf leaders to preserve their language, heritage, and culture. It is important to clarify that this website is not intended to criticize anyone. I kindly ask that this site's information, content, and materials be used solely for educational purposes and not for distribution or replication.

If you notice any inaccuracies or have additional information or materials to share about Utah Deaf history, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I am dedicated to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of this work, and I truly appreciate your feedback or contributions. 

Thank you for your interest in the website! I hope you find it engaging, educational, and informative!

Enjoy!
​
Jodi Christel Becker
Picture
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, _____
"The ideology of Dr. Grant B. Bitter has had
​a profound impact on the Utah Deaf community, both in oral and mainstream settings." 
​~Jodi Christel Becker~