Hanson exhibit opens with support of alumni, friends
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| Members of the Gallaudet University Museum Committee are shown at the October 22 opening of the museum’s first exhibition, “Olof Hanson, a Conspicuous Leader,” in the JSAC’s Weyerhaeuser Family Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall. Pictured (from left) are: Jean Bergey, outreach liaison and History Through Deaf Eyes director in the College of Professional Studies and Outreach; Scott Carollo, associate professor of art and exhibition designer; Tabitha Jacques, exhibition curator; Dr. Jack Gannon and Rosalyn Gannon, co-honorary chairs of the museum committee and members of the Class of 1959; Drew Robarge, exhibition consultant; and Dr. Jane Norman, professor of communication studies, director of the Gallaudet University Museum, and exhibition project director. |
A year-long exhibition about the deaf architect, advocate, and clergyman Olof Hanson opened on October 22 in the I. King Jordan Student Academic Center. The exhibition, entitled “Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader (1862-1933),” is located in the Weyerhaeuser Family Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall, on the lower level adjacent to the Marketplace.
“The purpose of this exhibit is to share the depth and richness of the history of deaf people and their influence in the world,” said Dr. Jane Norman, director and curator of the planned Gallaudet University Museum, who served as emcee for the opening program.
President Robert Davila and Provost Stephen Weiner welcomed an audience of about 100 students, staff, faculty, and visitors. “Great universities have great museums,” said Dr. Weiner, holding up a notice on the importance of museums at institutions of higher learning that was placed by the Association of College & University Museums & Galleries in a recent issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Adapting the tagline to the occasion, he said, “This is your museum. It belongs to the people of Gallaudet.”
Tabitha Jacques, the exhibition curator, said that the exhibition “explores the context of what life was like for some deaf people during Hanson’s time.”
William Terrell, representing the Class of 1958, and Rosalyn and Jack Gannon, members of the Class of 1959, spoke about their individual and class efforts to raise money for the Gallaudet University Museum project. Last year, during its 50th anniversary reunion, the Class of 1958 was inspired to bring in over $3,000 for the museum. The Class of 1959 collected over $20,000 in donations and pledges. Gerald “Bummy” Burstein, a 1950 graduate of the University, also contributed significantly to the project.
The Olof Hanson exhibit was made possible through the generosity of the Class of 1958 and individual donors to the Gallaudet University Museum. “Without their support, the exhibition would not be possible,” said Norman.
Scott Carollo, an associate professor in the Department of Art, designed the exhibition, and Drew Robarge served as exhibition consultant. Plans are underway to develop a traveling exhibition.
This article is a composite of reports by students in “English 385: Fundamentals of Journalism,” taught by Robert Weinstock: Alexander Abenchuchan, Renca Dunn, Jillian Gruetzner, Sigridur Jonsson, Jonah Meehan, Sean Stone, Kirsten Swanson, and Earl Terry.
