In researching for this play, I have read three books about the life of Helen. We know that Helen goes on to graduate from college, speaks across the globe, learns to dance and meets many famous people.

There is a picture of her with President Eisenhower. Since she “saw” with her hands, she asked to see his face and he graciously allowed her to do so.

Many of these books, I have read to the young actress playing Helen. To build her interest and background knowledge concerning the character she is playing. I will encourage the other actors to do a little research as well.

These books were centered on Helen and so I did a little reading about Anne.

Anne Sullivan grew up in an orphanage with no formal educational facilities and is said to have literally thrown herself in front of the visiting president of the state board of charities begging to go to school. She had several operations on her own eyes and often wore glasses to shield the light.

It is her commitment to Helen that she is known for. She traveled with Helen and together they raised money for the Federation for the Blind. She was married briefly to Harvard instructor, John Albert Macy. They separated and Anne and Helen continued to speak and various events.

Anne’s own eye sight began to fail in her later life and she died, but not before receiving several awards and honors for her tireless work with Helen.

Why didn’t she teach any other children? It seems a waste of her talents. Did she simple have the gift that could reach this one child or was her teaching method one that was a philosophy that could be used to train other children? Did the Perkins School for the Blind use any of her methods on other blind children? In searching for pictures I found a book that looks very interesting: “Beyond The Miracle Worker.” I am going to find it because I think it will provide insight into Anne Sullivan.