“Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf” – Week of Celebration!
September 24 – October 2, 2010
submitted by MADC 125th Anniversary Planning Committee
Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf
September 24 – October 2, 2010
Faribault – Twin Cities Metro – Statewide
The term Renaissance (from the French word “Renaistre,” meaning “to be born again”)
refers to a revival or a rebirth of cultural awareness and learning among art, law,
language, literature, philosophy, science, and mathematics. It is a rebirth of the human
spirit…
Minnesota’s deaf community witnessed the most powerful examples of cultural grace,
courage, and activism during the late 1800s and early 1900s by the likes of James
Smith, Anson Spear, Olof and Agatha Hanson, Jay C. Howard, Charles and Margaret
Thompson, Petra F. Howard, and many others who understood the value of community
pride, civic engagement, and cultural heritage.
Now, a century later, it is time for a Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf as we honor the
anniversaries, accomplishments and contributions of:
Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens, 125th Anniversary
Gallaudet University Alumni Association, 115th Anniversary
DHS-Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, 30th Anniversary
Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Minnesotans, 25th Anniversary
MADC partners with GUAA-MN Chapter, DHS-DHHSD, and MCDHH to celebrate and host
unprecedented full week of events open to community, family, friends and allies from
near and far.
Minnesota State Academy of the Deaf – “Homecoming”
Deaf Heritage Bus Tours (significant sites/buildings/graves) – Faribault Area
Open House & Interpretive Tours – MSAD & Alumni Association Museum
Celebration of Deaf Worship & Fellowship
Brunch Fundraiser by JrNAD & MADC Youth Committee
TWINS Game – “Deaf & Hard of Hearing Day” – Target Field 1:00-4:00 PM
Charles Thompson Memorial Hall – Open House/Interpretive Tours
Gallaudet University’s traveling exhibit – The Life & Work of Olof Hanson
Exhibit – Cadwallader Washburn and Francisco de Goya Art & Etchings – MIA
Deaf Heritage Bus Tours (significant sites/buildings/graves) – Metro Area
ASL Storytelling at Merriam Park Library and other libraries around the state.
Open House – MCDHH/DHHSD-Metro and Regional Offices
Open House – Metro Deaf School–Minnesota North Star Academy
Statewide Brown Bag Lunches – Topics re: MN Deaf History
Deaf “Red Hat” Tea Party
President’s Breakfast – Fundraiser for MADC & Charles Thompson Memorial Hall
Presentations/Workshops for MADC Members, Community and Youth
MADC 125th & GUAA 115th Anniversary Gala
“Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf”
MADC 125th Anniversary Picnic
Historic Depot Museum/Wayzata Historical Society – Exhibit of Oscar E Garrison
National and International Deaf Clown & Magicians [tentative]
Scenic Lake Minnetonka Boat Rides on the “Steamboat Minnehaha”
Old Fashioned Fun & Games for the Whole Family
Final Visits & Farewell
By celebrating our heritage, we set the stage for inspiring our next generation of
changemakers – thus investing in our future.
We all have so much to celebrate!
Mark your calendars!
Sept 24 – Oct 2
Visit event website for schedule and details.
Event Website (www.minndeaf.org/125years)
For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact planning committee chairs, Doug
Bahl and Cynthia Weitzel at: history@minndeaf.org
