Helen Keller’s Birthplace, Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, Alabama/ The Miracle Worker

Helen was born here in 1880, in her family home built by her grandfather, David Keller. It originally had over 300 acres. She contracted what most doctors now think was Scarlet Fever when she was 19 months old. It left her blind and deaf. Family urged the Kellers to place Helen in an institution, as was the customary practice in that day. They never did. Helen was indulged and some would say, spoiled.
It was with the help of inventor Alexander Graham Bell and others from the Boston Perkins School for the blind that Anne Sullivan came into Helen’s life, and she never left.
This where it all happened- Ivy Green. It sits on what is left of the original property-ten acres, in Tuscumbia. Alabama. Most of the furnishings are original, as well as Helen’s clothing and personal objects. Also original is the water pump, where a miracle happened- Anne was able to make a breakthrough with Helen by signing “WATER” into Anne’s hand while pumping water into her other hand.
Please visit the birthplace if you are in the area! The tour guides are amazing! It’s located at 300 Commons St. W, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674. They are open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.

[LeanneGirbav]

Great video! You definitely have a new subscriber😊Hard to find videos like this that are informative yet right to the point. Much appreciated!

[perijetton]

Real near Muscle Shoals. So much history in that area.

[maryg.]

What a lovely place to visit. For some reason I always thought Helen was from the state of PA or NY! Ha showing my ignorance! Thank you for bringing us along on your adventure. I always love them. You do an excellent job. Mary

[brianbrewer]

Do they give house tours there? Are visitors allowed in the house at all?
I plan on being in that area next week so I might be able to visit it.

[Fayefaye]

I've lived here my whole life and have never been to her house 😢 i guess i was sick or just didn't want to go when we had field trips there. Absolutely loved the 3 videos of my hometown area! I found your channel just a few hours ago by searching info on The Dungeness ruins! I love your channel!! ❤ I hope to be able to travel and see some of these places one day!
*I subscribed ❤

[lolamedley]

This is such a lovely video! Thank you so much for sharing!

[severinefisteberg]

Great video and lovely house but the kellers were wealthy..thats why they hired Ann sullivan at their home .the beauty and quality of furniture and bedrooms show they could pay annie Sullivan ..Helen was lucky in a way to be raised in a rich family .Not all deafblind children were raised that way..in lovely houses. Some families were poor and they sent their handicaped children in institutes like at boston .For instance Laura bridgman s parents were poor and sent her at perkins like many other children...
Helen was privileged and she and Ann could travel and see many places..