Activist

Helen Keller

Helen Keller was a famous American author, disability rights advocate and activist who, despite being blind and deaf since 19 months old, made tremendous achievements.

Helen Keller
Full Name
Helen Adams Keller
Age
87
Birth Date
June 27, 1880
Death Date
6/1/1968
Life Range
(1880-1968)
Zodiac
Cancer
Born
United States
Height
5' 7"

About

Helen Keller was an American activist, speaker, and writer who was left deaf and blind after a severe illness as a young child. She is best known for her advocacy for people with disabilities, and her published works such as "The Story of My Life" which detailed her own struggle and achievements. Additionally, she was the first deaf-blind woman to earn a college degree.

Helen Keller Timeline

1880
Helen Keller is Born
On June 27, 1880, Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
1882
Blindness and Deafness
At 19 months old, Keller contracts an illness that renders her blind and deaf.
1887
Anne Sullivan Enters Keller’s Life
Anne Sullivan enters Keller’s life as her teacher and opens up a new world of communication for her.
1888
Attends Perkins Institute for the Blind
Keller enrolls at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston.
1904
Graduates Radcliffe College
Keller graduates from Radcliffe College with honors, making her the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
1920
Founds the Helen Keller International Organization
Keller founds the Helen Keller International organization to combat blindness and malnutrition.
1968
Death of Anne Sullivan
Sullivan passes away in October 1968, leaving Keller devastated.

5 Interesting Facts about Helen Keller

1.

First Deafblind Person to Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Helen Keller was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduating from Radcliffe College in 1904.

2.

Was an Activist for Women's Suffrage and Social Justice

Helen Keller was an activist for women's suffrage and social justice. She was a member of the Socialist Party of America and supported civil rights causes including labor rights and anti-war protests.

3.

Wrote 12 Books

Helen Keller wrote 12 books throughout her lifetime. Her most famous work is “The Story of My Life”, published in 1902 when she was 22 years old.

4.

Was Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1964, Helen Keller was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon Johnson for her activism and service to humanity.

5.

Had Over 40 Honorary Doctorates

Throughout her life, Helen Keller received over 40 honorary doctorates from universities around the world in recognition of her work.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Helen Keller birthday?

Helen Keller, a renowned American activist and speaker was born on June 27, 1880. She is well known for being a champion of people with disabilities and advocating for those with hearing and vision impairments. Helen passed away at the age of 87 on June 1, 1968.