Documentary about historic “House One” residence available for purchase

Gallaudet University is pleased to announce that the eagerly-anticipated documentary about the Edward Miner Gallaudet Residence, affectionately known as House One, is available for purchase.

A Home — A Heritage: The Story of House One features a guided tour of the 35-room Victorian Gothic mansion by First Lady Vicki Hurwitz and includes stories from alumni. House One was built in 1869 for Gallaudet first president, Edward Miner Gallaudet. Gallaudet, his successors, and their families have all lived in House One. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Mrs. Hurwitz was involved in the creation of the documentary and serves as the narrator.

Throughout this documentary you will see that this house was designed for family living, but also designed to serve the college as a center for social life, she said. For many people who have visited here over the years, this home represented their first contact with the college. It never fails to offer guests a warm and friendly welcome to Kendall Green.

The first floor of House One is typically used for the many open houses and social functions throughout the year for students, faculty, staff, and invited guests. President T. Alan Hurwitz and Mrs. Hurwitz occupy the other floors of the home.

House One has a rich history and features many antique photos and beautiful art works, including a notable painting by Michael Strieby Nachtrieb of President Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad. In 1864, President Lincoln signed the charter to allow the institution now known as Gallaudet University to confer degrees.

The documentary runs 30 minutes and is $25, plus $6 for shipping and handling. All proceeds go to the Gerald Bummy Burstein, 50, Museum fund at the Gallaudet University Museum. To purchase a DVD, mail a check payable to Gallaudet University with Bummy Burstein Museum Fund in the subject line to Scott Carollo, manager and exhibition designer for the Gallaudet University Museum, 800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002-3600. For more information, please contact us.

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.