Helen Keller Birthplace and Shrine

Helen Keller Birthplace and Shrine, 300 N. Commons St. W., is a 10-acre site that includes Helen Keller's early home. Deaf and blind from the age of 19 months, Keller succeeded in graduating cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904 and became a world-renowned author and lecturer. Keller's indomitable spirit led Mark Twain to liken her to Joan of Arc. The biographical play “The Miracle Worker” is presented mid-summer.

Also featured is the well pump where teacher Annie Sullivan taught Keller her first word, “water.” The site's International Gardens feature gifts from 25 countries and a bronze bust of Keller. The Clearing contains native trees and shrubs, a log cabin and a gazebo. Surrounding the main buildings are magnolia and mimosa trees, roses, ivy, honeysuckle and 150-year-old English boxwoods.

Time: Allow 30 minutes minimum.