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Wartime opportunities for women and the deaf
The right to drive: the uphill battle against motor vehicle laws
Soldier style: Some Deaf schools adopt dress code to eliminate socio-economic barriers
Since Deaf people weren’t allowed to serve in the military, they contributed to the war effort from home
On Screen: Public perceptions of Deaf people and other minority groups
Forging connections through Deaf associations
Factory Work: Jobs available to Deaf workers during World War II
Akron’s “Silent Colony” – what it meant to be active and visible
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National Deaf Life Museum
Exhibits
History Through Deaf Eyes
Community Building
Deaf Clubs and their role in...
In most cities, deaf people established clubs that became centers for social life. Some clubs owned their buildings, but most made do with a rented clubroom over a downtown store or bar.
A “Deaf club” was more than a place for card games and conversation. Clubs hosted social events as varied as holiday parties, lectures, fundraisers, plays, and performances by traveling deaf comedians. Clubs also sponsored athletic events and group outings.
Members of the Akron “Silent Club” pose for their 1919 photo. Clubs became the center of social life for many deaf people, and a place to learn the news of the day.
University of Akron Archives
Clubs from different cities occasionally held joint events, such as this May Dance of the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Silents Clubs, in 1947.
National Black Deaf Advocates
Movies by deaf directors and producers, such as Dog Trouble, and captioned feature films brought large crowds to Deaf clubs.
Gallaudet University Archives
Deaf Clubs and their role in Deaf social life