History

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) was founded in 1820 as the third school serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the U.S. and has become a leading resource in the field of Deaf Education. Founded by Philadelphia merchant, David Seixas, (who also served as PSD’s first principal), PSD held its first classes in his private home on Market Street, west of 16th Street. In 1821, PSD relocated to a building on the southeast corner of Eleventh and Market Streets. The renowned Deaf Frenchman Laurent Clerc, who sailed to America with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, became PSD’s second principal in 1821. Prior to PSD, Clerc, along with Gallaudet and Dr. Mason Cogswell, founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. In 1825, PSD moved to its first official school building, at the corner of Broad and Pine Streets. The site is now occupied by the University of the Arts, and PSD classes were held in what is presently Haviland Hall. In 1892, the school moved again toMt. Airy which had a very spacious 33 acre property. 14 buildings were constructed to accommodate all students and staff. PSD resided there for 92 years. In 1984, PSD purchased its current home, the former Germantown Academy Campus, and completely renovated it while preserving its unique historic character. Many of the buildings on PSD’s Germantown campus have a rich history. Some date from the Revolutionary War times, when the school was used as a hospital during the Battle of Germantown. Six British soldiers are reportedly buried on campus! During the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1792, the Pennsylvania State Assembly and the U.S. Congress took refuge in PSD’s buildings. U.S. President George Washington also set up a temporary office in the PSD Administration Building and held cabinet meetings there.

Deaf Culture & Heritage Center

PSD is fortunate to have the Heritage Center which showcases the many rare and interesting artifacts of our school history. As the third oldest school for the deaf, we have amassed quite a collection! Our story and our place in history is a crucial thread within the fabric of our school culture. Our legacy and responsibility to honor our past, which allows us to forge our future. PSD’s place in history is something we take great pride in and the items which remind us of our past and how far we have come within the Deaf community are handled with humility and respect. At PSD’s Heritage Center, you can find just about anything related to PSD and our Philadelphia story. When you are in the museum you become transported to a time of letterman jackets and uniform blazers. We even have the china dishes used when PSD was a residential school. Memorabilia related to sports, clubs and organizations have found their forever home in our museum. Even equipment that had been used to diagnose, treat and “correct” deafness are on display. We have many rare and precious photographs, books and documents that are cared for so that they will be available to future generations of our PSD family and beyond. PSD sincerely thanks each and every individual who dedicated their time, energy and efforts to ensure the formation of our Heritage Center.