The Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb

In the early 19th century, deaf-mute children faced significant social stigma and were often relegated to lives of poverty and begging. However, a breakthrough came with the development of French Sign Language by Charles-Michel de l'Épée. This new method of communication offered a lifeline to deaf individuals. In 1814, the first American school for the deaf was established in Hartford, Connecticut, providing education and hope to deaf children who had previously been marginalized by society.

Rev. Abraham O. Stansbury, who came to New York from the Hartford school, was appointed the first teacher of the New York Deaf and Dumb Institute.  It opened on May 12, 1818 in downtown Manhattan with four students. Initially funded by donations and what tuition parents could afford, the school grew.

Outside the town, the building was surrounded by open fields and woods. It was a Federal style building three stories tall above a high basement level. The wide flight of stone steps was protected by a columned portico. Starting with over 50 students, it grew to 82 students, 56 of whom were beneficiaries of the State. The students received a similar education to that of public schools--writing, reading, mathematics, history and various trades.