Annie Sullivan | Women in History

Enjoy a performance about Annie Sullivan - Helen Keller's teacher - by Anne McEvoy from Women in History . Parking is limited. Overflow parking available at Whittier Elementary School ( 130 E Walnut St, Westerville, OH 43081) . If your child is ages 6-7, you or a caregiver (age 18+) must remain in the room to supervise for the duration of the event. About Annie Sullivan Growing up, Anne was subject to poverty and physical abuse by her alcoholic father and at the age of five, trachoma struck Anne, leaving her almost blind. Two years later, her mother died and her father abandoned his children to an orphanage. After regaining her eyesight from a series of operations and graduating as valedictorian from the Perkins Institute for the Blind, she began teaching Helen Keller. All who came in contact with the two were amazed at the ability of Miss Sullivan to reach Miss Keller and Miss Keller's heightened ability to grasp concepts unheard of by deaf and blind students before her. About the Presenter Anne McEvoy is a full-time writer/editor for the Creative Division of American Greetings, Inc. Her background is in theater, receiving a BA in Speech and Drama from Ursuline College and working for over 40 years in the varying capacities of director, playwright, composer, lyricist, choreographer, and actor in professional and community theater in the greater Cleveland area. In 1975 she co-founded Cornucopia, Inc, a non-profit organization that offers vocational opportunities, job training, and placement to mentally and physically challenged adults About Heritage Month Celebrations The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome. Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more .