Laura Bridgman collection

Creator:

Perkins School for the Blind

Date Range:

1829-2012, bulk 1844-1889

Call Number:

AG59

Abstract:

Materials created by and about Laura Bridgman, the first person who was deafblind to be educated in the United States. Bridgman was a pupil of Samuel Gridley Howe at the Perkins Institution (now Perkins School for the Blind). The collection includes correspondence, photographs, books, articles, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, and other documents, as well as artifacts and many textiles (tatted lace and knit doilies) made by Bridgman. Many journals and letters were written by Bridgman in pencil using the square hand technique of writing for the blind. Extensive correspondence includes letters from Samuel Gridley Howe and Dorothea Dix, in addition to Bridgman’s family, especially her mother Harmony Bridgman and her sisters Collina (Lina) and Mary. Correspondence includes Bridgman’s teachers and staff at Perkins including Mary Swift Lamson and Sarah Wight (later Bond). The collection also contains manuscripts by Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall, Bridgman biographers and Samuel Gridley Howe’s daughters.

Extent:

24 linear feet of textual material, photographs, artwork, and artifacts, 1 dress box, a large trunk, sewing machine, plaster bust, and three large paintings.

Language:

English

Processed by:

Initially organized by Charlotte Cushman, 2013 ; Finding aid written by Jennifer Hale, 2015.

Processing Note:

This collection was processed with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Division of Preservation and Access, Washington, D.C., 2012-2015.

Biographical/Historical notes:

Laura Dewey Bridgman was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, on December 21, 1829, to hardworking New England farmers. At the age of 24 months, she fell ill with scarlet fever for many weeks and lost her sight, hearing, sense of smell, and nearly all of her sense of taste.

Communication between Laura and her family was very limited. She developed a rudimentary sign language, but as she grew older she frequently had temper tantrums, and by the time she was seven she could be controlled only by being physically overpowered. Laura’s father was the only family member she would obey.

Five years after the Perkins School for the Blind opened its doors, Director Samuel Gridley Howe heard about Laura, and was eager to try educating her. In that era, people who were deafblind were considered hopelessly unreachable.

Howe traveled to Hanover, New Hampshire, and easily convinced her busy family that Laura’s best chance lay in going to Perkins School for the Blind. She arrived at the school in October of 1837, eleven weeks before her eighth birthday.

Intellectual awakening

No one had succeeded in teaching language to someone who was deafblind, and Howe was now faced with creating a method of education. Instead of expanding upon Laura’s natural sign language, he decided to teach her English.

He gave her familiar objects, such as forks and keys, with name labels made of raised letters pasted upon them. When he gave her detached labels with the same words, she matched them with their objects. However, Howe could tell that “the only intellectual exercise was that of imitation and memory.”

Howe next cut up the labels so each letter was separate. He spelled the now-familiar words, showed them to Laura, then jumbled the letters. Laura was able to rearrange them so they once again spelled the words. According to Howe, it was at this point that Laura grasped the concept of language and communication.

From the moment she understood that objects have names, Laura eagerly demanded to be taught the name of everything she encountered. During the next year of her education, her teachers focused on expanding her communication skills and vocabulary.

Once she mastered language, her curriculum became much like that of the other pupils at Perkins, and she attended classes and studied reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, history, grammar, algebra, geometry, physiology, philosophy and history.

Known around the world

Samuel Gridley Howe published the account of Laura Bridgman’s education in the Perkins Annual Reports, making both teacher and student internationally famous.

In 1842, British writer Charles Dickens visited Perkins and wrote of his encounter with Laura in his book, American Notes. Dickens described the twelve-year-old girl in sentimental terms, dwelling upon her innocence and childish beauty, and likened her to a prisoner liberated from a vault of isolation. This effusive praise increased her celebrity and popularity throughout the world.

Later years

Laura’s instruction at Perkins ended in 1850, when she was 20, and she returned to New Hampshire to be with her family. After years of being with a constant teacher-companion, Laura was suddenly on her own day and night, and her busy farming family had little time or patience for her.

Her health began to deteriorate, and Howe realized that Laura should return to Perkins. He and Dorothea Dix, Laura’s friend and advocate, raised an endowment to ensure that she would have a permanent home at the school. Although she often spent summers with her family in New Hampshire, Laura lived at Perkins School for the Blind, her “Sunny Home,” for the rest of her life.

Laura’s adult life at Perkins was busy. She lived in one of the four cottages with the students, and did her share of the housework. Laura read a great deal in her free time, principally from the Bible. She sold her needlework pieces, delighting in having money to give gifts to her friends and contributions to the poor.

She was an enthusiastic letter writer throughout her life, and sometimes traveled to visit friends and relations. For a Victorian woman of this time, Laura lived a comfortable life.

When she was 59, Laura Bridgman became ill. After several weeks, she died peacefully at Perkins on May 24, 1889.

Sources of information:

McGinnity, B.L., Seymour-Ford, J. and Andries, K.J. (2004) Laura Bridgman. Perkins History Museum, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA.

Restrictions:

Box 1, Folders 1-3 restricted due to personal information contained in accession letters

The Perkins Archives reserves the right to deny physical access to materials available in a digital format.

Copyright:

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Perkins School for the Blind, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Credit line/Citation:

AG59 Laura Bridgman Collection. Perkins School for the Blind Archives, Watertown, MA.

Scope/Contents:

This collection documents the private and public life and education of Laura Bridgman (1829-1889), the first documented person who was deafblind to be educated in the United States. The collection spans the years 1829-2012, with the bulk dating from 1844 until 1989. The collection includes: correspondence; journals and other writings by Bridgman; clippings; articles; books; manuscripts from Bridgman’s biographers (Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall); photographs; artwork; artifacts, and personal effects that may have belonged to Bridgman, were made by her, or are related to her. This related material includes Bridgman family artifacts, as well as manuscripts and correspondence by teachers and staff at Perkins. This collection is organized into eight series: Accession and Provenance; Laura Bridgman Correspondence; Related Correspondence; Laura Bridgman Manuscripts; Documents and Manuscripts about Laura Bridgman; Photographs; Artwork and Artifacts.

Laura Bridgman’s correspondence includes her early life and education at Perkins, which contains descriptions of her curriculum, relationships with teachers and staff, visitors, travels, and family matters. Her later correspondence reflects her religious awakening and life at Perkins as an adult. In her later years, she focuses progressively on her health ailments. Correspondents of note in this series include Sarah Wight Bond, Dorothea Dix, Morrison Heady, and Samuel Gridley Howe.

Laura Bridgman’s correspondence and manuscripts in this collection are written in square hand. This writing method produces angular letters which can be difficult to read at times. There are many transcriptions of her correspondence available in Series 5: Documents and Manuscripts about Laura Bridgman, particularly Subseries 5: Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall Manuscripts. Bridgman often uses several different nicknames and various abbreviations for a single individual, so many names are best guesses only and are open to interpretation. For example, Bridgman’s favorite teacher Sarah White Bond is referred to as Miss Wight, Wight, Miss W, Wightie, W. Bond, and Teacher W.

Related Correspondence is largely letters from individuals acquainted with Bridgman, primarily those who mention her in their correspondence. Correspondence to Sarah Wight Bond and Samuel Gridley Howe, constitute the bulk of this collection. Many correspondents in the Samuel Gridley Howe correspondence are professionals inquiring about the education of Bridgman. Prominent individuals who wrote to Samuel Gridley Howe include George Combe (leader in the the phrenological movement),

Dorothea Dix (noted social reformer), and Frances Lieber (educator and writer). Also of note are correspondents James Barrett and Dr. Mussey, whose correspondence with Dr. Howe provide an early record of Laura Bridgman’s condition and the Bridgman family’s agreement to send her to the Perkins School for the Blind. Correspondence from Bridgman’s mother Harmony, her favorite teacher Sarah Wight Bond, as well as the only known letter written by Asa Tenney is also part of this Howe correspondence. Asa Tenney was a handyman and close friend to Bridgman who was able to communicate with her before she began formal education at Perkins.

Laura Bridgman’s manuscripts make up a series containing journals, spiritual and other writings, and Laura Bridgman’s Dream. The journals, compromising the bulk of the series, highlight curriculum and daily activities, but also include dictated stories and definitions. There are also spiritual writings that include her most widely known poem, Holy Home, and “saying cards” and autographs written by Bridgman presumably to sell as souvenirs. There is a series devoted to documents and manuscripts about Bridgman, which contains published material such as books, clippings, journal and magazine articles. Manuscripts include transcriptions, remembrances and notes about Bridgman, a large amount of which is related to the 1903 book, Laura Bridgman, Dr. Howe’s Famous Pupil and what He Taught Her, by Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall. Many of their notes and numbering system can be found on original correspondence. Also included in this collection are Samuel Gridley Howe’s earliest notes regarding Bridgman. A small amount of documents and ephemera produced by Perkins related to Bridgman are also included and the 150th anniversary of Bridgman’s education at Perkins.

The photographs series in this collection contain early daguerreotype portraits of Bridgman, including one with Sarah Wight Bond circa 1845 and 1846. Predominately the photographs are studio portraits of Bridgman and include her threading a needle with her tongue and reading an embossed book. This collection includes several reproductions of photographs as well photographs taken in the 20th century of her childhood home, grave, and artifacts. Most photographs in this collection are available digitally.

Artwork in this series includes three large oil paintings of Bridgman, one of which is painted by Alvan Fisher and depicts Bridgman teaching Oliver Caswell to read. This series predominately contains reproductions and derivatives of this painting in photographic or illustrated form. There is also a color sketch of an exhibit honoring Bridgman at the Wilberforce School for the Blind in England with an accompanying letter from 1833.

Artifacts in this series contain personal items that belonged to or are thought to have belonged to Bridgman. The bulk of the collection contains textiles made by Bridgman and includes knitting, lace tatting, crochet and sewn items. Bridgman’s personal items include her clothing, several eye sashes, and a pair of eyeglasses. Items related to Bridgman include a plaster cast of her brain made after her death and sewing needles she threaded. There are also embossed books, correspondence, and ephemera in braille in this series, some of which belonged to Bridgman.

Arrangement:

L.B. = Laura Bridgman
S.G.H. = Samuel Gridley Howe
B1:F1 = Box 1: Folder 1
Museum = On Display in Perkins Museum
[family] = Items preceded by [family], indicates that it was part of a donation received by Laura Bridgman’s family members.
[trunk], or [from tied bundle in trunk] = Items with the annotation [trunk], or [from tied bundle in trunk] indicates that it was found in Laura Bridgman’s trunk. Provenance for the material found in the trunk is unknown.

8 Series

Series 1: Accession and Provenance, 1968- 2004
Series 2: Laura Bridgman Correspondence, 1839-1889
- Subseries 1: Bridgman’s Early Correspondence, 1838-1859
- Subseries 2: Bridgman’s Later Correspondence, 1860-1889
- Subseries 3: Special Correspondence from Bridgman, 1845-1887
- Subseries 4: Bridgman’s Undated Correspondence
Series 3: Related Correspondence, 1837-1952
- Subseries 1: General Correspondence, 1837-1952
- Subseries 2: Misc. Envelopes and Provenance Notes, 1879-1933
- Subseries 3: Sarah Wight Bond Correspondence, 1845-1861
- Subseries 4: Samuel Gridley Howe Correspondence, 1839-1889
- Subseries 5: Samuel Gridley Howe Special Correspondence, 1838-1847
Series 4: Laura Bridgman Manuscripts, 1841-1859
- Subseries 1: Spiritual and other Writings, 1843-1877
- Subseries 2: Journals, 1841-1856
- Subseries 3: Dreams, 1859, 1928
Series 5: Publications, Clippings, and Manuscripts related to Laura Bridgman, 1833-1988
- Subseries 1: Published Material, 1833-1968
- Subseries 2: Manuscripts, 1849-1937
- Subseries 3: Perkins Documents and Ephemera, 1840-1988
- Subseries 4: Samuel Gridley Howe Correspondence and Notes, circa 1840
- Subseries 5: Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall Manuscripts, circa 1876-1903
Series 6: Photographs, 1845-2012
Series 7: Artwork, 1833, 1844, undated
Series 8: Artifacts, 1829-1947, bulk undated
- Subseries 1: Personal Items and Artifacts, 1867-1874
- Subseries 2: Clothing, undated
- Subseries 3: Textiles, undated
- Subseries 4: Related Artifacts, 1829-1947
- Subseries 5: Braille and Embossed Books, correspondence, and Ephemera, circa. 1869-1860

AG59: Laura Bridgman Collection on Flickr

AG59: Laura Bridgman Scrapbooks on the Internet Archive

AG59: Laura Bridgman’s Journals and Other Writings on the Internet Archive

AG18 Samuel Gridley Howe Collection. Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA.

AG52 Teacher Journals of Laura Bridgman and other Deafblind Pupils. Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA. Journals digitized on the Internet Archive.

Container list:

Box 1 Accession and provenance information, 1968-2004 : Documents and manuscripts with accession and provenance that corresponds to materials donated to Perkins. Arranged chronologically.
Box 2-5, 9 Laura Bridgman Correspondence, 1839-1889 : Largely letters written by Laura Bridgman to family members, friends, and teachers and staff of the Perkins Institution. See also Special Correspondence in this series and Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall Manuscripts in series 5. Arranged chronologically except for the subseries Special Correspondence and Undated Correspondence, which are arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent and chronologically therein.
Box 6-9 Related Correspondence, 1837-1952 : Correspondence from individuals acquainted with Bridgman, primarily those who mention Bridgman in their correspondence. Arranged alphabetically by name of recipient and chronologically therein. See also Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall Manuscripts in the Correspondence Related to Laura Bridgman Series.
Box 10-35 Laura Bridgman Manuscripts, 1841-1859 : Primarily journals, including several dedicated to dreams, religious writing, and poetry. Arranged by topic or type of material and chronologically therein.
Box 36-48 Publications, Clippings, and Manuscripts related to Laura Bridgman, 1837-1952 : Primarily published clippings, articles or books about, or related to Bridgman in some way. Arranged by topic or type of material and chronologically therein.
Box 49-52 Photographs, 1845-2012 : Primarily portrait photographs of Laura Bridgman. Arranged by topic or type of material and chronologically therein.
Box 53-55 Artwork, 1833-1844 : Artwork with Bridgman as the subject, or related to her in some way. Arranged by topic and chronologically therein.
Box 56-79 Artifacts, 1829-1889 : Items belonging to, or thought to have belonged to Bridgman, including items she made. Includes embossed and braille writing. Arranged by topic or type of material.

Series 1: Accession and Provenance, 1968- 2004

B1:F1: Accession forms, 1989
B1:F2: Accession letter for silver scissors and napkin ring possibly owned by L.B., 2004
B1:F3: Accession information, 1968

Series 2: Laura Bridgman Correspondence, 1839-1889

Subseries 1: Bridgman’s early correspondence, 1839-1859

B2:F1: Transcription of 1839 letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, undated
B9:F1: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, circa January 1840
B2:F2: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother and father, circa. 1842 [L.B. mentions Julia Brace]
B2:F3: Letter from L.B. to mother, Aug. 6, 1843 [includes letter from Jennette M. Howe and mentions S.G. Howe’s marriage]
B2:F4: Letter from Mary [Carpenter] to L.B., June 26, 1844
B2:F5: Letter from L.B. to Miss Loring, Aug. 10, [1845]
B2:F6: Letter from L.B. to mother, October 22, 1845 [mentions birth of Florence Howe]
B2:F7: Letter from L.B. to mother, November 30, 1845
B2:F8: Letter from Amos Lawrence to L.B. and Miss Wight, December 20, 1845
B2:F9: Letter from L.B. to mother, March 4, 1846
B2:F10: Letter from L.B. to mother, July 16, [1846]
B2:F11: Letter from L.B. to mother, July 26 [1846]
B2:F12: Letter from L.B. to mother, August 23, 1846
B2:F13: Letter from L.B. to mother, Oct. 11, 1846
B9:F2: Letter from L.B. to Susan Swift, circa 1847-1858
B2:F14: Letter from L.B. to mother, February 14, [1847]
B9:F3: Letter from L.B. to mother, April [4], 1847
B9:F4: Letter from L.B. to mother and Addison, [May] 2, 1847
B9:F5: Letter from L.B. to mother, May 16, 1847
B9:F6: Letter from L.B. to mother, July 4, 1847 [contains note from Sarah Wight]
B9: F7: Letter from L.B. to mother and brothers, August 1, 1847
B9:F8: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother and brothers, Oct. 3, 1847
B2:F15: Letter from L.B. to Martha, March 30, 1848
B9:F9: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother and father, December, 17, 1848
B9:F10: 2 fragments of letters from L.B. to unknown recipient, circa 1849
B2:F16: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], Feb 14, 1849
B9:F11: letter fragment from L.B. to Miss Tallant, March 4, 1849
B2:F17: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Mary, March 15, 1849
B9:F12: Letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, May 6, 1849
B9:F13: Letter from L.B. to mother and father, May 13, 1849
B2:F18: Letter from L.B. to Edward Bond, June 15, 1849 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F14: Letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, June 17, 1849
B9:F15: [family] letter from L.B. to mother and Emily, July 6, 1849
B9:F16: [family] letter from L.B. to brothers Addison and John, July 8, 1849
B9:F17: letter fragment from L.B. to Miss Tallant, July 29, 1849
B9:F18: [family] letter from L.B. to brother John, August 5, 1849
B2:F19: Letter from L.B. to Miss Lawson, Sept. 28, 1849
B2:F20: [family] Letter from Lilly [L.B.] to brother John, Oct. 14, 1849
B9:F19: [family] Letter from L.B. to family, December 30, 1849
B9:F20: Letter from L.B. to [sister], January 6, 1850 [possibly Miss Rogers]
B9:F21: Letter from L.B. to Mr. Bond, March 24, 1850
B2:F21: Letter from L.B. to Mr. Bond, June [19], 1850
B2:F22: Letter from L.B. to Mary, July 21, 1850
B9:F22: Letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, July 23, 1850
B9:F23: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, August. 11, 1850
B2:F23: Letter from Lilly [L.B.] to unknown recipient, November 6, [1850] [from tied bundle in trunk]
B2:F24: Letter from L.B. to Edward [Bond], December12, [1850]
B2:F25: Letter fragment from L.B. to unknown recipient, 1851-1877 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B2:F26: Letter fragment from niece L.B., to unknown recipient, 1851-1877 [mentions trip to the dentist] [from tied bundle in trunk]
B2:F27: Letter fragment from sister L.B., to unknown recipient, 1851-1877 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F24: Letter from L.B. to mother and John, January 2, 1851
B9:F25: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, February 11, 1851
B9:F26: Letter from L.B. to Miss W. and Martha, April 27, 1851
B9:F26: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, June 1, 1851
B2:F28: Letter from L.B. to [Mr.] Bond, July 13, 1851
B2:F29: Letter from L.B. to [Edward] Bond, Aug. 3, 1851 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F28: Letter from L.B. to Mr. Bond, September 19, 1851
B9:F29: Letter from L.B. to Mr. Bond, September 21, 1851
B2:F30: Letter from L.B. to Martha, September 28, 1851
B9:F30: Letter from L.B. to Brother John, October, 31, 1851
B9:F31: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 30, [1851]
B2:F31: Typewritten transcript of letter to Alexander from L.B., May 11, 1852
B9:F32: Envelope and letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, May 16, 1852
B2:F32: Letter from Addison [Bridgman] to L.B., September 21, 1852
B9:F33: Envelope and letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, September, 26, 1852
B2:F33: Letter from L.B. to cousin, Mrs. Kennedy, July 13, 1855
B9:F34: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, January 4, [1853]
B9:F35: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 13, [1853]
B9:F36: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, May 29, 1853
B9:F37: Letter from L.B. to Miss Tallant, June 26, 1853
B9:F38: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February, 26, 1854
B9:F39: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, April 16, 1854
B9:F40: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, October, 22, 1855
B2:F34: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, January, 9, 1856
B2:F35: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 16, 1856
B9:F41: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, April, 13, 1856
B2:F36: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, June 8, 1856
B2:F37: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, July [27], 1856
B9:F42: Letter from L.B. to M [Martha] Wight, December [7], 1856
B2:F38: Letter from L.B. to [Mr.] Bond, May 31, 1857
B2:F39: Letter from Amos Lawrence to L.B., June 21, 1857
B2:F40: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, August 2, 1857
B9:F43: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 22 [1857]
B9:F44: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 14, 1858
B9:F45: [family] Letter from L.B. to Lady [Arachan], February 20, 1858
B9:F46: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 15, 1858
B2:F41: Letter from L.B. to Miss Moulton, May 23, 1858
B2:F42: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister L [Lina], October 1, [1858]
B2:F47: [family] letter from L.B. to her sister Mary, October 3, 1858
B2:F43: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister M. [Mary], October 25, 1858
B2:F44: Letter from L.B. to sister Mary, February 15, 1859
B2:F45: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, April 12, [1859]
B2:F46: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, May 1, 1859
B2:F47: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Ready, Sept. 19, 1859
B2:F48: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Mary, Oct. 23, 1859
B2:F49: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 6, 1859
B2:F50: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], November 22, 1859
B2:F51: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, December. 20, 1859

Subseries 2: Bridgman’s later correspondence, 1860-1889

B2:F52: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], November 25, 1860
B2:F53: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], December 23, 1860
B2:F54: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], March 10, 1861
B2:F55: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, March 25, [1861]
B2:F56: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 31, 1861
B2:F57: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November [19], 1861
B2:F58: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, June, 2, 1861
B2:F59: Letter from L.B. to mother, July 14, 1861
B2:F60: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], January 12, 1862
B2:F61: Letter fragment from L.B. to W.B., June 28, 1862
B2:F62: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, January 11, 1863
B2:F63: Letter from L.B. to mother, Oct. 11, 1863 [includes envelope with provenance, June 10, 1946]
B2:F64: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, December 29, 1863
B2:F65: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 28, 1864
B2:F66: Letter from L.B. to Miss Mulliken, Aug. 13, 1864 [not in L.B.’s handwriting]
B2:F67: Letter from Aunt Palmer, to [L.B.], December 27, 1864 [Palmer is L.B.’s “adopted grandmother”]
B2:F68: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 8, 1865
B2:F69: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], April 30, 1865
B2:F70: [family] Letter from L.B. to Honey [Lina], July 3, 1865
B2:F71: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, July 17, 1865
B2:F72: 2 Letters from L.B. to Julia Warren, Oct. 6, 1867, Aug. 11, 1867 [Aug. 11 letter is not written in L.B.’s handwriting]
B2:F73: Letter from L.B. to W.B. Sept. 27, 1868
B2:F74: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 22, 1868
B2:F75: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, December 8, 1868
B2:F76: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 28, 1869
B2:F77: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 7, 1869
B2:F78: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], April 16, 1869 [includes an envelope]
B2:F79: Letter from L.B. to mother, May 7, 1869
B2:F80: Letter from L.B. to sister Miss M., June 1869
B2:F81: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], Oct. 28, 1869
B2:F82: Letter from L.B. to [Cobb], November 21, 1869
B2:F83: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, December 19, 1869
B2:F84: Letter from L.B. to mother, February 20, 1870
B2:F85: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, February 27, 1870
B2:F86: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 21, 1870
B2:F87: Letter fragment from L.B. to Miss Rogers, July 17, 1870
B2:F88: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, Sept. 18, 1870
B2:F89: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, Sept. 18, 1870
B2:F90: Letter from L.B. to Uncle [Mr. Downer], Oct. 26, 1870
B2:F91: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, November 17, 1870
B2:F92: Letter from L.B. to W.B., December 11, 1870
B2:F93: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, December 13, 1871
B2:F94: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. B., May 21, 1871
B2:F95: Letter from L.B. to Miss Mou [Moulton], June 19, 1871
B2:F96: Letter from L.B. to Uncle [Mr. Downer], July 6, 1871
B2:F97: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, Aug. 22, 1871
B3:F1: Letter from L.B. to W, Feb 2, [1873]
B3:F2: Letter from L.B. to Miss [M.W.], March 2, 1873 [originally tied together]
B3:F3: Letter from L.B. to Julia Anagnos, July 19, 1873
B3:F4: Letter from L.B. to Uncle Downer, Sept. 28, 1873
B3:F5: Letter from L.B. to M.W., December21, 1873
B3:F6: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wood, January 13, 1874
B3:F7: Letter from L.B. to Lina [sister], January[25], 1874
B3:F8: Letter from L.B. to Miss Rogers, Oct. 13, 1874 [includes two envelopes]
B3:F9: Letter from pupil L.B., to unknown recipient, November 21, 1874
B3:F10: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Wales, January 8, 1875
B3:F11: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. [Nalis], March 7, 1875 [includes envelope]
B3:F12: Letter from L.B. to Eliza A. Rogers, May 9, 1875 [includes envelope]
B3:F13: Letter from L.B. to W.B., May 14, 1875
B3:F14: Letter from L.B. to Uncle [L. F.], Oct, 23, 1875
B3:F15: Copy of letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, January 27, 1876 [not in L.B.’s handwriting]
B3:F16: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 27, 1876
B3:F17: Letter from L.B. to “sister” Moulton, Aug. 13, 1876 [mentions receiving donation from Scotland]
B3:F18: Letter from L.B. to mother, November 23, 1876
B3:F19: Letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], December 12, 1876
B3:F20: 2 letters from L.B. to Mrs. [Rebecca] S. Clark and friend, 1877, 1878
B3:F21: [family] Letter from L.B. to Lina [sister], Jan15, 1877
B3:F22: Letter from L.B. to Uncle Joseph, May, 27, 1877 [from bundle in trunk]
B3:F23: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 8, 1877
B3:F24: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister, November 18, 1877
B3:F25: Letter from L.B. to Lina [sister], November 11, 1877
B3:F26: Letter from L.B. to Grace Edmond, March 20, 1878 [EXTREMELY FRAGILE] [photocopies are available for use]
B3:F27: Letter from L.B. to Louis Stratton, April 27, 1878 [includes two envelopes]
B3:F28: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], November 17, 1878
B3:F29: Photograph of L.B., 2 letters she wrote to cousin Mary and Mother, accession info, 1879-1969 [accession info includes 4 letters between Waterhouse and Grover Luce]
B3:F30: Letter from L.B. to mother, [February] 26, 1879
B3:F31: Letter from L.B. to sister [L.], Nov, 23, 1879
B3:F32: Copy of letter from L.B. to Miss Moulton, letter fragment, and Florence Howe Hall program, 1880, circa 1880 [someone wanted these materials kept together]
B3:F33: Letter from L.B. to Alice, May 30, [1880]
B3:F34: Two letters from L.B. to Miss Alice Bond, 1880, 1882 [includes envelope]
B3:F35: Letter from L.B. to Uncle Joseph, Oct. 11, 1880
B3:F36: Letter from L.B. to “sister “ Moulton, Oct. 24, 1880
B3:F37: Letter from L.B. to Lina [sister], November 21, 1880
B3:F38: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Stroweed, December 19, 1880
B3:F39: 2 letters from L.B. to Mattie Lieber, 1881, 1882 [includes envelope]
B3:F40: [family] envelope and two letters from L.B. to mother, 1881, 1886, 1888
B3:F41: Letter from L.B. to Miss M. Lieber, June 12, 1881 [includes envelope]
B3:F42: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Lieber, June 12, 1881
B3:F43: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. [Anagnos], and 5 saying cards, Oct. 6, 1881 [includes envelope]
B3:F44: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Brooks, December13, 1881
B3:F45: Letter from L.B. to Mary Lieber, January 8, 1882 [includes envelope]
B3:F46: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], January 13, 1882
B3:F47: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], February 16, 1882
B3:F48: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Anagnos, March 12, 1882 [includes envelope]
B3:F49: Copy of letter from L.B. to Mrs. Anagnos, March 12, 1882
B3:F50: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Henedy, Oct. 1, 1882
B3:F51: [family] Letter from L.B. to Lina [sister], January3, 1883
B3:F52: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister L. January 29, 1883
B3:F53: Letter from L.B. to sister, February 18, 1883
B3:F54: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 26, 1883
B3:F55: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], April 1, 1883
B3:F56: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Henedy, July 13, 1883
B3:F57: Letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], December 11, 1883
B3:F58: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], [1884]
B3:F59: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], February 17, 1884
B3:F60: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], Feb 26, 1884
B3:F61: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, March 10, 1884
B3:F62: Letter from L.B. to sister L. [Collina], Oct. 30, 1884
B3:F63: Letter from L.B. to mother, November 20, 1884
B3:F64: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, December 21, 1884
B3:F65: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, 1885
B3:F66: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], January 16, 1885
B3:F67: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 29, 1885
B3:F68: Letter from L.B. to Mary Lieber, May 15, 1885
B3:F69: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], November 1, 1885
B3:F70: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister L. [Lina], December 13, 1885
B3:F71: Letter and envelope from L.B. to Miss Williams, December 20, 1885
B3:F72: [family] Letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], January31, 1886
B3:F73: Letter from L.B. to “friend,” February 16, 1886
B3:F74: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], February 21, 1886
B3:F75: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 21, 1886
B3:F76: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 14, 1886
B3:F77: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister, March 28, 1886
B3:F78: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, April 26, 1886
B3:F79: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, Aug. 14, [1886]
B3:F80: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], Sept. 1886
B3:F81: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, November 14, 1886
B3:F82: Letter from L.B. to mother and Collina [Lina], December 26, 1886
B3:F83: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], December 30, 1886
B3:F84: Letter to mother, January 9, 1887
B3:F85: [family] Letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], February 16, 1887
B3:F86: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, February 20, 1887
B3:F87: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Anagnos, March 9, 1887 [includes note from Miss Wood and envelope]
B3:F88: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, March 21, 1887
B3:F89: Letter from L.B. to mother, April 17, 1887
B3:F90: Letter from L.B. to Harry, May 31, 1887
B3:F91: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], June 12, 1887
B3:F92: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], July 25, 1887
B3:F93: Letter from L.B. to sister Lina [Mrs. Dwight Simmons], November 11, 1887
B3:F94: [family] Letter from L.B. to sister, November 26, 1887
B3:F95: [family] Letter from L.B. to mother, December 18, 1887 [account of Jubilee—50th Anniversary of L.B. at Perkins]
B4:F1: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], January 9, 1888
B4:F2: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. M.B. January 13, 1888
B4:F3: Letter from L.B. to mother, February 6, 1888
B4:F4: Letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], February 15, 1888
B4:F5: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], February 26, 1888
B4:F6: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, April 16, 1888
B4:F7: Letter from L.B. to Nellie, May 11, 1888
B4:F8: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, May 27, 1888
B4:F9: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Hall, June 2, 1888
B4:F10: Letter from L.B. to mother, June 8, 1888
B4:F11: Letter from L.B. to sister, June 10, 1888
B4:F12: Letter from L.B. to unknown recipient, August 28, 1888
B4:F13: [family] letter from L.B. to sister, September 1888
B4:F14: [family] letter from L.B. to Nellie, October 14, 1888
B4:F15: Letter from L.B. to mother, October 29, 1888
B4:F16: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], November 13, 1888
B4:F17: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, November 25, 1888
B4:F18: Letter from L.B. to Miss A Bond, November 25, 188
B4:F19: [family] letter from L.B. to Collina [Lina], December 25, 1888
B4:F20: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, January 13, 1889
B4:F21: [family] letter from L.B. to mother, January 24, 1889
B4:F22: Letter from L.B. to mother, February, 10, 1889
B4:F23: Letter from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], February 16, 1889
B4:F24: [family] letter from L.B. to sister Ellen, February 17, 1889
B4:F25: Letter from L.B. to her mother, March 17, 1889 [includes envelope marked “Laura’s last letter”]

Subseries 3: Special Correspondence from Bridgman, 1845-1887

Bond, Sarah Wight, 1844-1876

B4:F26: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Bond, 1844-1851 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F48: Letter from L.B. to [Mrs.] Wight, circa 1847-1858
B9:F50: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, November 16, 1850
B4:F27: Letter from L.B. to Miss [Sarah] Wight, Nov [19], 1850
B9:F50: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wightie, December 15, 1850
B9:F51: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, December 29, 1850
B9:F52: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, January 12, 1851
B9:F53: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, January 22, 1851
B9:F54: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, January 31, 1851
B9:F55: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, February 23, 1851
B9:F56: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, March 2, 1851
B9:F57: Letter from L.B. to Miss [Sarah] Wight and Martha, May 17, 1851
B9:F58: Letter from L.B. to Miss [Sarah] Wight, November 11, 1851 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F29: Letter from L.B. to sister Miss W, [Sarah Wight], March 14, 1852
B4:F30: Letter from L.B. to teacher Mrs. Bond, July 4, 1852
B4:F31: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Bond, May 8, 1853 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F32: Letter from L.B. to Sarah [Wight] December 11, 1853 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F33: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah Wight Bond] December 12, 1853 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F34: Letter from L.B. to teacher [Sarah] Wight, January8, 1854 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F35: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, Sept. 10, 1854 and November 1, 1854 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F58: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, June 25, 1855
B9:F59: Letter from L.B. to Wightie [Wight], August 8, 1855
B9:F60: Letter from L.B. to Sarah Wight Bond, October 14, 1855
B4:F36: Letter from Addison and letter from L.B. to Sarah Wight Bond, May 18, 1856
[from tied bundle in trunk]
B9:F61: Letter from L.B. to Miss Wight, [February] 10, 1857 [includes letter from Miss Paddock on back]
B4:F37: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, January 6, 1858 [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F38: Letter from L.B. to Teacher W [Sarah Wight], March 29, [1859] [from tied bundle in trunk]
B4:F39: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, January 4, 1863
B4:F40: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, January 24, 1869
B4:F41: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, November 26, 1871
B4:F42: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Bond, Oct. 9, 1872
B4:F43: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Bond, April 14, 1872
B4:F44: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, May 4, 1873
B4:F45: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, June [3], 1874
B4:F46: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, Oct. 11, 1874
B4:F47: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] W. Bond, December 11, 1874
B4:F48: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, April 26, 1875
B4:F49: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, March 15, 1875
B4:F50: Letter fragment from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, March 14 [1875]
B4:F51: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, February 6, 1876
B4:F52: Letter from L.B. to [Sarah] Wight, Oct. 17, 1876

Dix, Dorothea, 1845

B4:F53: Letter from L.B. to Miss [Dorothea] Dix, Sept. 8, 1845

Heady, Morrison, 1859-1897

B4:F54: Letter fragment of letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady], undated [part of bundle from trunk]
B4:F55: Letter fragment from L.B. to Brother Morrie [Morrison Heady], November 27, 1859
B4:F56: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady], July 4, [1865] [includes note from Mary L. Cobb]
B4:F57: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady], August 19, 1868
B4:F58: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady], January 10, 1869
B4:F59: Letter from L.B. to Brother M. [Morrison Heady], May 18, 1869
B4:F60: envelope and letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady], July 10, 1870
B4:F61: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady] December 19, 1870
B4:F62: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady] July 30, 1871
B4:F63: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady] January 19, 1873
B4:F64: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady] July 14, [1878]
B4:F65: Letter from L.B. to [Morrison Heady] July 14, 1879

Herrick, Reverend Jonathan and Mrs. Herrick, 1871-1885

B4:F66: letter and typed transcript from L.B. to Brother [Jonathan Herrick], January 20, 1861
B4:F67: 23 pages of typed transcripts of letters from L.B. to the Reverend Mrs. Herrick, 1862-1885 [transcribed by D.F. Schell, date of transcription unknown]
B4:F68: letter from L.B. to blessed brother [Reverend Herrick] July 13, 1862 [contains description of her baptism]
B4:F69: letter from L.B. to brother [Reverend Herrick] July 32, 1862 [contains description of Laura’s religious experience and mourning of her sister Mary]
B4:F70: letter and typed transcript from L.B. to Mrs. Jonathan Herrick, Aug. [1862]
B4:F71: 2 letter and notebook of letter copies from L.B. to Reverend Herrick, July 13, 23, 1862 [Laura is describing her religious experiences]
B4:F72: letter from L.B. to sister [Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick] Jan. 15, 1865
B4:F73: letter and typed transcript to Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick, June 10, 1866
B4:F74: letter and typed transcript from L.B. to Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick, Nov. 18, 1886
B4:F75: letter and typed transcript from L.B. to Mrs. Jonathan Herrick, Dec. 15, 1867 [includes original envelope]
B4:F76: letter from L.B. to sister Mrs. M. [Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick] March 29, 1868
B4:F77: letter from L.B. to sister [Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick] Feb. 28, 1869
B4:F78: typed transcript of letter from L.B. to Mrs. Jonathan Herrick, March 15, 1871 [transcript only — original missing]
B4:F79: letter from L.B. to Mrs. H [Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick] Dec. 17, 1876
B4:F80: letter from L.B. to sister [Mrs. Jonathan S. Herrick] Aug. 16, 1885

Howe, Samuel Gridley

B9:F62: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], circa 1847-1858
B4:F81: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], July 11, [circa 1850s]
B4:F82: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], August 3, 1855
B4:F83: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], November [13], 1852
B4:F84: Letter from L.B. to Brother Dr. [S.G.H], December 19, 1852
B9:F63: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], January 16, 1853 [contains note from [Harmony] Bridgman] [EXTREMELY FRAGILE]
B4:F85: Letter from L.B. to Dr. Howe, April 15, 1853
B4:F86: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H.], Oct. 17, [1860]
B4:F87: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H] Oct. 26, 1862 [includes letter from Harmony Bridgman]
B4:F88: Letter from L.B. to Dr. [S.G.H] Oct. 16, 1864
B4:F89: Envelope and letter from L.B. to Dr. Howe, March 11, 1872

Swift, Mary

B4:F90: letter from L.B. to Miss Swift, Jan. 4, 1846

Tenney, Asa

B4:F91: letter from L.B. to Mr. [Asa] Tenney, Dec. 6, 1846

Subseries 4: Bridgman’s Undated Correspondence

B5:F1: Copy of Katie Grant’s note L.B., undated
B5:F2: 6 envelopes and papers with names and addresses [in L.B.’s handwriting]
B5:F3: [family] 4 letters and fragments from L.B. to mother, undated
B5:F4: 2 letter fragments from L.B. to [mother], undated
B5:F5: Letter from L.B. to mother and Collina [Lina], undated
B5:F6: 2 letters from L.B. to sister Collina [Lina], undated
B5:F7: Letter from L.B. to Lina and letter to Lina from mother, undated
B5:F8: 3 letters from L.B. to sister Nellie, undated
B5:F9: 3 letters and fragments, 1 typed transcript of letter from L.B. to sister, undated
B5:F10: Letter fragment from L.B. to unknown recipient, undated [mentions Dr. Howe’s daughter Laura having baby girl]
B5:F11: [family] letter fragment from sister L.B. to unknown recipient, undated
B5:F12: Letter fragment from L.B. to unknown recipient, undated [includes letter from Mrs. H.L. [Wellington] on back]
B5:F13: 10 letter fragments from L.B. to unknown recipient, undated
B5:F14: 8 letter fragments from L.B. to unknown recipients, undated
B5:F15: 2 letters from L.B. to friend, undated
B5:F16: Letter fragment from L.B. to former teacher, undated
B5:F17: Letter from L.B. to Susan Swift, undated
B5:F18: Fragment of letter from Lily [L.B.] to [S.W.B.], undated
B5:F19: Letter from L.B. to teacher Wight, undated
B5:F20: Letter from L.B to W. Bond, undated [includes envelope with notes]
B5:F21: Letter from L.B. to W.B., undated
B5:F22: [family] letter from L.B. to W.B., undated
B5:F23: Letter from L.B. to Miss [Baker], undated
B5:F24: Letter from L.B. to MH, undated
B5:F25: Letter fragment from L.B. to Sir Amos Lawrence, undated
B5:F26: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Parker, undated [includes typed transcript]
B5:F27: Letter from L.B. to Mrs. Wales, undated [includes Holy Home poem]

Series 3: Related Correspondence, 1837-1952

Subseries 1: General Correspondence, 1837-1952

Anagnos, Michael

B6:F1: Letter from G.S. Hall to Dr. Anagnos, May19 [1879]
B6:F2: 3 letters to Anagnos, Brodie, and Barker, 1882
B6:F3: Letter from M. Anagnos to Flossy, June 29, 1894

Bond, Mr. [George]

B6:F4: Letter from Maria [Caziano] to Mr. Bond, undated
B6:F5: Letter from cousin Georgia to Edward [Bond], 1855
B6:F6: Envelope to Mr. Morrison Heady with letter to Mr. Bond, June 5, 1855

Bridgman, Harmony

B6:F7: Copy of letter to Mr. Hall from Harmony Bridgman, undated [describes L.B.’s religious experiences]
B9:F65: Letter from unknown person to Mr. and Mrs. Bridgman, March 30, 1838 [concerning L.B.’s progress at school]
B6:F8: Postcard from Harmony Bridgman to Mrs. L.D. Simmons, November 14 [1844]
B6:F9: Letter from Harmony Bridgman to Marrion, February 26, [1889] [Marrion is Harmony’s granddaughter]

Dickenson, Samuel Henry

B6:F10: Letter from letter from Samuel Henry Dickenson to Professor L. [Aqapiz], December 18, 1859 [mentions L.B.]

Drew, L [Lydia]

B6:F11: Letter from L [Lydia] Dew, March 6, 1840 [mentions L.B.]

Elliot, John and Madge

B6:F12: 2 page letter to Madge from John [Elliot], undated
B6:F13: Letter from Samuel Longfellow to Mrs. Elliot, undated
B6:F14: Letter from John [Elliot] to Lady Haire, Oct. 1, 1889
B6:F15: Letter from Samuel Longfellow to Mrs. Elliot, November 14, 1889
B6:F16: 7 letter to Maud [Elliot] and John [Elliot], 1889, 1890
B6:F17: 9 letters to Mrs. Madge Elliot, from various people, 1889-1893 [includes description of Asa Tenney]
B6:F18: Letter to Mrs. and Mr. Elliot from Elbridge Gerry, January 6, 1890

Farrell, Gabriel

B6:F19: Letter to [Gabriel] Farrell from William [Lawrence], August 16, and 19, 1940 [part of a letter to A. Lawrence Lowell from Mary H. Buckingham]
B6:F20: Letter from Gabriel Farrell to Bishop Lawrence, Aug. 27, 1940
B6:F21: Copy of letter from Gabriel Farrell to Mary H. Buckingham, Aug. 27, 1940

Hall, Florence Howe

B6:F22: Letter from Samuel Eliot to Mrs. Hall, July 5, 1837 [contains Elliot’s description of meeting L.B. in Hanover in 1837]
B6:F23: Envelope and two letter to Mrs. Hall from Della Bennett, 1889
B6:F24: Envelope and four page letter to Florence from Anna Maillard, June 30, 1889 [regarding Laura Bridgman inquiry]
B6:F25: Letter to Mrs. Hall from Lina Simmons, Sept. 13, 1889 [regarding Laura Bridgman inquiry]
B6:F26: Letter to Mrs. Hall and Elliot from Lina F. Simmons, Oct. 14, 1889 [includes Bridgman’s remarks about Beechers death]
B6:F27: Letter to F.H. Hall from H.B. Rogers, Oct. 31, 1889
B6:F28: Letter to Florence Howe Hall from Augie Fischer, November 22, 1889
B6:F29: Letter from Sanborn to [Mrs.] Hall, July 6, 1889
B6:F30: Letter to Mrs. Hall from Lina F. Simmons, January 7, 1890
B6:F31: Envelope addressed to Mrs. Hall and letter from [Angela Fueller Lasher] March 11, 1890
B6:F32: Letter from Elvira Gould to Mrs. Hall, April 18, 1893

Hall, Stanley Granville [G.S.]

B6:F33: Letter to Professor [G.S. Stanley] from B. Wood, July 7, 1878 [responding to inquiry about Bridgman]
B6:F34: Letters to Mr. [G Stanley] Hall from [Harmony Bridgman], July 8, 1878 [responding to inquiry about Bridgman]
B6:F35: Letter from [Mrs. Lamson] to Prof. [G. Stanley] Hall, July 15, 1878[regarding Laura Bridgman inquiry]
B6:F36: Letter to [G.S.] Hall from S. [Graves] July 23, 1878 [responding to inquiry about Bridgman]
B6:F37: Letter to [G. Stanley Hall] from A.D. Bridgman, July 29, 1878 [responding to inquiry about Bridgman]
B6:F38: Letter to G. Stanley Hall, from A.D. Bridgman, Sept. 11, 1878 [responding to inquiry about Bridgman]

[Hattie]

B6:F39: Letter from [Hattie] to [Alice], February 5 [1846]
B6:F40: Letter from [Hattie] to [Alice] Aug. 9, 1846

Jenks, S.H.

B6:F41: 2 copies of letter to Lucy C. Jenks written in 1840, undated
B6:F42: Letter to Lucy Jenks from her father S.H. Jenks, February 9, 1840 [Use Copies] [very descriptive account of visit to the institution and students including L.B.] [includes note with provenance for letter, November 6, 1932]

Keller, Helen

B9:F66: copy of letter from Helen Keller to Dr. Farrell, Oct. 6. 1937
[regarding the centennial of Laura Bridgman’s introduction to language]

Lamson, Mary Swift

B6:F43: Letter from Mary Swift Lamson to Mr. Anagnos, July, 12 [1878]
B6:F44: Letter from Mary Swift Lamson to unknown recipient, Oct. 14, 1878

Paulding, Elizabeth P.

B6:F45: Letter from Elizabeth P. Paulding to cousin, undated

Palmer, Miss L. [S.]

B6:F46: Letter from Miss L.[S.] Palmer to [Child], [January, 15, 1863]

Rogers, Eliza

B6:F47: Letter from Rogers to unknown recipient, Aug. 16, 1849 [mentions L.B. and Oliver Caswell]
B6:F48: Letter from unknown recipient to Miss Rogers, January, March 31, 1851
B6:F49: Letter from [Samson] to Eliza [Rogers], March 29, 1856

Sawyer, Mary Esther

B6:F40: 7 letters between Perkins librarian [Mary Esther Sawyer] and the librarian of the guild of St. John of Beverly regarding L.B. materials, 1929
B6:F51: Letter to Miss Sawyer from Mrs. Edward G. Spencer, February 1, 1934 [mentions L.B., institutional history, Dr. Howe, and others]

Unknown

B6:F52: Fragment of letter from L.B.’s sibling to unknown recipient, undated [describes L.B.’s sense of smell and scarlet fever/medical history]
B6:F53: Letter from L.H. Morton to Sir, undated [regarding inquiry about L.B.]
B6:F54: Small fragment of letter to and from unknown person, July 10, 1874
B6:F55: Letter from unknown recipient to Miss Blanchie, December 25, 1889 [notation on page “Grandma B.”]

Waterhouse, Edward

B6:F56: Letter to Waterhouse from Ernest J. Baker, June 12, 1957
B6:F57: Letter from Edward J. Waterhouse to Mr. Baker, June 19, 1957

[Wight], Martha

B6:F58: Letter from cousin Martha [Wight], August 16, 1855

Wood, Miss

B6:F59: Letter to Miss Wood from E.S. Ellis, June 27, 1865
B6:F60: Letter from unknown sender to Miss Wood, June 26, 1878 [regarding L.B., including her baptism]

Subseries 2: Misc. Envelopes and Provenance Notes, 1879-1933

B6:F61: [family] string that once tied together letters for family, undated
B6:F62: Paper wrapping for L.B. letters, undated
B9:F64: Paper wrapping labeled “Laura” and “Island Letters”, undated
B6:F63: 16 envelopes with provenance, notes, or addresses, undated, 1849-1893
B6:F64: [family] Envelope to Mrs. Harmony Bridgman, Oct. 1, 1889
B6:F65: Eight empty envelopes with provenance notes, undated, 1893, 1923, 1937
B6:F66: Letter to Miss M.E. Sawyer from Newton Mackintosh, April 13, 1933 [provenance about autograph and April 12 letter]

Subseries 3: Sarah Wight Bond Correspondence, 1845-1861

B7:F1: Letter from Aunt Alice to Sarah [Wight Bond], undated
B7:F2: [family] letter from Sarah Wight to Mrs. Bridgman, undated
B7:F3: Letter from Sarah to Martha B. Wight, undated
B7:F4: Letter from Annie to Sarah, undated [possibly Annie Sullivan]
B7:F5: Letter from cousin Georgia to Sarah, undated
B7:F6: Letter from [L.H. Jarvis] to Miss Wight, undated
B7:F7: Letter from Rogers to Miss Sarah Wight, undated
B7:F8: Letter from Sarah Wight to Mrs. Bridgman, November 30, 1845
B7:F9: Letter from Mrs. Bridgman to Miss Wight, February 1, 1851
B7:F10: Letter from [S] L. H. Wyman to Sarah, May 20, 1851
B7:F11: Letter from Mrs. Bridgman to Sarah Wight, July 21, 1851
B7:F12: Letter and envelope from S.L.H. Wyman to Miss Sarah Wight, Sept. 13, 1851
B7:F13: Letters from Eliza Pearson to Sarah Wight Bond, Oct. 7, 1849, Sept. 19, 1851
B7:F14: Letter from Amos Lawrence to Miss Wight, January 1850
B7:F15: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah Wight Bond, circa 1850
B7:F16: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah Wight Bond, circa 1850
B7:F17: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah Wight Bond, Sept. 5, [1850]
B7:F18: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah [Wight], Aug. 28, 1850
B7:F19: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah Wight Bond, Sept. 12, [1850]
B7:F20: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Sarah Wight Bond, Sept. 18, [1850]
B7:F21: Letter to Miss Wight from Howe, May 31, 1851 [VERY FRAGILE]
B7:F22: Letter from [Eliza] A. Rogers to Wight, Sept. 1851
B7:F23: Letter from Eliza Rogers to Sarah Wight Bond, January 5, 1852
B7:F24: Letter to Mrs. [Wight] Bond from unknown person, March 30, 1853
B7:F25: Letter to Sarah [Wight] from [Mrs. Hyman], April 16, 1853
B7:F26: 12 letters tied from bundle of correspondence primarily to Mrs. Bond, undated, 1854, 1855 [includes letter from Laura Bridgman to Rogers, July 5, 1855]
B7:F27: Letter from cousin to Sarah, February 12, 1855
B7:F28: Letter from Rogers to Sarah, Aug. 4, 1855
B7:F29: Letter from E. Rogers to Sarah, Sept. 5, 1855
B7:F30: Letter from Rogers to Sarah, Sept. 20, 1855
B7:F31: Letter from cousin A. Fannie Alden to Sarah, Oct. 4, 1855
B7:F32: Letter from Rogers to Sarah [Bond], April 3, 1856
B7:F33: Letter from Fannie Alden to Sarah, Aug. 20, 1856
B7:F34: Letter to Wight from Eliza A. [Rogers], Sept. 17, 1857
B7:F35: Letter from [Mary] to Sarah, December 17, 1856
B7:F36: Letter from [L.H. Dorr] to Sarah, February 7-8, 1859
B7:F37: Letter from J.B. Marshall to Bond, January 9, 1861
B7:F38: Letter to Mrs. Bond from unknown person, January 29, 1861
B7:F39: Letter from [Eliza] Rogers to cousin Sarah, February 15, 1861
B7:F40: Letter from Aunt Mary to Sarah [Wight Bond], June 17, 1887

Subseries 4: Samuel Gridley Howe Correspondence, 1839-1889

B8:F1: Letter to Dr. Howe from unknown person, undated [marked confidential] [regarding Bridgman]
B8:F2: Letter to S.G. Howe from Olivia Bowditch, undated
B8:F3: Letter from J. [Griscom] to Sir [Dr. Howe] undated
B8:F4: Letter to Dr. Howe from Henry C. [Burdes] undated [asking for sample of L.B. writing]
B8:F5: Letter from Julius to S.G. Howe, November 24, 1839 [Extremely Fragile]
B8:F6: Letter from Julius to Doctor [Howe] March 13, [1840] [mentions German Journal of Medicine article on L.B.]
B8:F7: Letter to Dr. Howe from [Ellistran] Aug. 8, [1840]
B8:F8: Letter to S.G. Howe from James Harford, April 8, 1841 [mentions graphic system of embossing for the blind]
B8:F9: Letter to Dr. Howe from J. [Ellistran], May 21, 1841 [FRAGILE]
B8:F10: Letter to Dr. Howe form [Jasshan], June 2, 1841
B8:F11: Letter to Dr. Howe from Charles Beecher, June 6, 1841
B8:F12: Letter to Dr. Howe from [Dr. Julius] Aug. 1841
B8:F13: Letter from B.A. [Parnell] to Dr. Howe, Aug. 30, 1841[EXTREMELY FRAGILE]
B8:F14: Letter to Dr. Howe from James [Gall Jr.] Aug. 21, 1841 [mention’s Howe’s report of the deaf, dumb, and blind]
B8:F15: Letter to Dr. Howe from D.E. Baullette, Sept. 8, 1841 [mentions books and reports sent to Howe and L.B.]
B8:F16: Letter to [Howe] from D.E. Baullette, Oct. [9], 1841
B8:F17: Letter to Sir [Howe] from Professor [Burdah] April, 5, 1842 [EXTREMELY FRAGILE]
B8:F18: Letter to Dr. Howe from G.H. [Loring] April 21, 1842 [mentions Howe’s report on deaf mute instruction]
B8:F19: Letter to Dr. Howe from L. [Merrick], April 25, 1842
B8:F20: Letter to S.G. Howe from Mrs. [Clifford] June [26], [1842] [EXTREMELY FRAGILE]
B8:F21: Letter from Robert Con Aug.1, 1842
B8:F22: Letter to Dr. Howe from Amos Lawrence, November 19, 1842 [EXTREMELY FRAGILE]
B8:F23: Letter from Parker to [Howe] June 13, 1843
B8:F24: Letter to Dr. Howe from Mr. Sargent, February 14, 1844
B8:F25: Letter to Dr. Howe from John [G. Palphrey] February 16, 1844
B8:F26: Letter to Sir [Howe] from Ella Morse, July 18, 1844
B8:F27: Letter from G.S. Bedeu, June 30, 1845
B8:F28: Letter to Dr. Howe form Jos [Joseph] Aoshead, March 3, 1846
B8:F29: Letter to James [Barreth] to Dr. Howe, May 15, 1846
B8:F30: Letter from H. Scott to Howe, April 1847 [inquiry about L.B. that mentions Dickens’ Notes on America]
B8:F31: Letter from [S.H. Melling] to Dr. Howe, Sept. 4, 1847 [is an introduction for the Marquis de Raigecourt ]
B8:F32: Letter from C.C. Felton to Howe, March [1848] [mentions philosophical conception of the Lamb of God]
B8:F33: Letter from Joseph Henry, December 6, 1848 [Smithsonian Institution corresponding about publication of Howe manuscript]
B8:F34: Letter from Joseph Henry to Dr. Howe and transcript of letter from L.B. to Miss M. 1850, 1859 [found bound together]
B8:F35: Letter to Sir [Howe] from Maria [Lake] May 4, 1850
B8:F36: S.G. Howe small letter fragment, [1851]
B8:F37: Letter to Dr. Howe from [Eliza] A. Rogers, March 2, 1851 [regarding L.B .visitation]
B8:F38: Letter to Dr. Howe from E.A. Rogers, April 30, 1851 [regarding L.B .visitation]
B8:F39: Letter to Dr. [Howe] from Mrs. Goodwin, December 20, 1851 [regarding L.B. visitation]
B8:F40: Letter to Dr. Howe from L.H. Morton, April 7, 1854 [regarding L.B .visitation]
B8:F41: Letter from A.D. Bridgman to Dr. Howe, July 25, 1855
B8:F42: Letter to Dr. Howe from Miss Moulton, Aug. 3, 1855
B8:F43: Letter from unknown person to Dr. Howe, November 17, 1854
B8:F44: Letter from M.C. Paddock to Dr. [Howe] December 7, 1854 [update on L.B.]
B8:F45: Letter to Dr. Howe from Eliza W. Healey, March 22, 1856
B8:F46: Letter to Dr. Howe from Eliza A. Rogers, May 8, 1857
B8:F47: Letter to Howe with clipping attached from city manager, June 16, 1857
B8:F48: Letter to S.G. Howe from Samuel Henry Dickerson, Oct. 9, 1859
B8:F49: Letter to S.G. Howe from Levi H. Marsh, July 6, 1859 [financial contribution to L.B.]
B8:F50: Letter to S.G. Howe from J.D. Bridgman, November 17, 1859 [regarding Mary Bridgman death]
B8:F51: Letter from Fred Clark to friend [Dr. Howe] January 1, 1860
B8:F52: Letter to Dr. Howe from John D. Bridgman, May 1, 1860
B8:F53: Letter to [Howe] from [Mr. Marpentra] May 14, 1860
B8:F54: Letter to Dr. Howe from Abby B. Carter, July 27, 1860 [letter from Sophia Carters mother regarding memories of travels and exhibitions circa 1836. ]
B8:F55: Letter to S.G. Howe from Levi, H. Marsh, July 31, 1860
B8:F56: Letter to S.G. Howe from William M. Awl, Oct. 4, 1860 [letter regarding Dr. Howe’s travels west to start schools]
B8:F57: 2 letters from Mrs. Wm L. Ells to Sir [Dr. Howe] July 28, 1865 [regarding student Georgiana
B8:F58: Letter to S.G. Howe from Wood, Aug. 16, 1865
B8:F59: Letter to Dr. Howe from John Blackman, Aug. 17, 1865.
B8:F60: Letter from Mary [Harriot] to Dr. Howe, April 13, 1874 [regarding Samuel Bridgman]
B8:F61: Letter from John [Louis] to S.G. Howe, July, 4, 1874
B8:F62: Letter from J.B. Richards to Dr. [Howe], Aug. 9, 1874
B8:F63: Letter to S.G. Howe from [R] Taylor, January 13, 1889

Subseries 5: Samuel Gridley Howe Special Correspondence, 1837-1847

Barret, James and Dr. Mussey, 1837

B8:F64: Letter from James Barrett and Dr. Mussey to S.G. Howe, July 11, 1837 [includes record of L.B.’s condition and family’s agreement to send her to Perkins]

Bridgman, Harmony, 1838-1878

B8:F65: 4 letters from Harmony Bridgman to Dr. Howe, undated
B8:F66: Letter from Harmony Bridgman to [S.G. Howe] March 15, 1838
B8:F67: Letter from Harmony Bridgman to S.G. Howe, January 28, 1841
B8:F68: Letter from [Harmony] Bridgman to Dr. Howe, March 22, 1851
B8:F69: 5 letters from Harmony Bridgman to Dr. Howe, 1852
B8:F70: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, 1853
B8:F71: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, February 10, 1853
B8:F72: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, Aug. 20, 1853
B8:F73: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, Aug. 27, 1853
B8:F74: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, March 15, 1854
B8:F75: Letter to Dr. Howe from Harmony Bridgman, Sept. 10, 1857
B8:F76: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. [Harmony] Bridgman, November 16, 1858
B8:F77: Letter to Dr. Howe from Daniel and Harmony Bridgman, December 1, [1858]
B8:F78: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. [Harmony] Bridgman, November 2, 1859
B8:F79: Letter to Dr. Howe from H. Bridgman, Oct. 16, 1878

Combe, George, 1841-1853

B8:F80: Letter to Dr. Howe from G. [George] Combe, Aug. 14, 1841 [Extremely Fragile]
B8:F81: Letter to [Howe] from Geo [George] Combe, February 24, 1842
B8:F82: Letter to Dr. Howe from Geo [George] Combe, November 30, 1842 [mentions Dicken’s American Notes]
B8:F83: Letter to Dr. Howe from Geo [George] Combe, February 28, 1843 [mentions sending sheets of new system]

Dix, Dorothea, 1853

B8:F84: Letter from Dorothea Dix to Dr. Howe, 1853 [includes documentation of donations for L.B.]
B8:F85: Letter to Miss [Dorothea] Dix, November 5, 1853

Lieber, Francis, 1850-1857

B8:F86: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, December 29, 1848
B8:F87: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, June 20, 1850
B8:F88: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, June 25, 1850
B8:F89: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, February 23, [1851]
B8:F90: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, February 25, 1851
B8:F91: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, March 1851
B8:F92: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, March 10-13, 1851
B8:F93: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, March [28], 1851
B8:F94: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, April 14, 1852
B8:F95: Letter from Francis Lieber to S.G. Howe, June 18, 1857

Tenney, Asa, [1839]

B8:F96: Letter from Asa Tenney to Dr. Howe, Sept. 17, [1839]

Wight, Sarah [1847-1851]

B8:F97: Letter to Dr. Howe from Miss Wight, undated
B8:F98: 3 letters from Sarah Wight to S.G. Howe, undated, May 18 and 24, 1847
B8:F99: Letter from Miss Wight to Dr. Howe, June 1847
B8:F100: Letter from [Sarah] Wight to [S.G. Howe] June 25, 1849
B8:F101: 6 Letters from Sarah Wight to Dr. Howe, 1850
B8:F102: Letter from Sarah Wight to Dr. Howe, April 7, 1851
B8:F103: Letter to [S.G. Howe] from Mrs. Wight, Aug. 29, 1851
B8:F104: Letter from S. Wight to [Dr. Howe], July 21, 1851
B8:F105: Letter from Sarah Wight to Dr. S.G. Howe, November 28, 1857

Series 4: Laura Bridgman Manuscripts, 1841-1859

Subseries 1: Spiritual and other Writings, 1843-1886, bulk undated

B35:F1: 2 L.B. signatures with “20 cts,” written, undated
B35:F2: 22 short sayings and signatures written by L.B., undated
B35:F3: 25 sayings written and signed by L.B., undated
B35:F4: Poem from Institution, by L.B., undated
B35:F5: Saying card written and signed by L.B., envelope, and provenance note, undated
B35:F6: Religious saying written and signed by L.B. and clippings, undated [from envelope found in Book of Psalms]
B35:F7: Holy Home (version 1), undated
B35:F8: Holy Home (version 2), undated
B35:F9: Holy Home (version 3), undated
B35:F10: Transcription of Holy Home, undated [“poem written by Aunt Laura (Bridgman)”]
B35:F11: Copy of Holy Home, Sept. 9, 1877 [copy made by Bertha A. Smith date of copy unknown
B35:F12: Holy Home copies for F.H. Hall, undated
B35:F13: L.B.’s signature, 1843
B35:F14: 4 sayings cards written and signed by L.B., circa. 1858
B35:F15: Autobiography written by L.B. about her childhood, circa. 1866
B35:F16: [family] miniature book with L.B. writing, 1886

Subseries 2: Journals, 1841-1856

B32:F1: Note about L.B. journals, undated
B32:F2: L.B. journal, undated [January 1 – January 29]
B32:F3: L.B. journal, undated
B32:F4: [September 10 – November 5]
B32:F5: L.B. journal, undated [September 23 – October 3]
Box 10: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: undated
Box 11: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: undated
Box 12: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: July 1841
Box 13: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: June 6-27, 1841
Box 14: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: August 1841
Box 15: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: September 9-27,1841 [no.1]
Box 16: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: September – October, 1841
Box 17: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: November 25, 1841
Box 18: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: January 29, 1842
Box 19: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: May 1842
Box 20: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: February 1843
Box 21: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: February 14- March 25, 1843
Box 22: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: March 28-July 8, 1843
Box 23: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: Aug. 26 -Sept. 27, 1843
Box 24: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: Sept. 30 – November 3, 1843
Box 25: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: November 7- December 12, 1843
Box 26: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: December 13, 1843 – January 11, 1844
B31:F1: Journal and [dictated story] fragment, circa. 1844-1855
Box 27: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: January13- February 16, 1844
Box 28: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: February 20- March 27, 1844
Box 29: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: March 29 – June 4, 1844
Box 30: Laura Bridgman’s Journal: June 6- July 17, 1844
B31:F2: Journal and [dictated story and definitions], July 18-September 12, 1844
B31:F3: Journal and [dictated story and definitions], November 19 – December 7 circa 1845
B31:F4: Journal and [dictated] story and definitions], December 18-February 15, circa. 1845
B32:F6: L.B. journal, Feb 7 – May 2, 1845
B32:F7: L.B. journal, Aug. 29-Oct. 30, 1845
B32:F8: L.B. journal, January 30-March 11, 1846
B32:F9: L.B. journal, March 12-19, [1846]
B32:F10: L.B. journal, January 6-July 1, 1847
B32:F11: L.B. journal, July 7-Sept. 30, 1847
B32:F12: L.B. journal, Oct. 4-November 13, 1847
B32:F13: L.B. journal, January 5-18, 1848 [journal 1]
B32:F14: L.B. Journal, January 30-March 13, 1848
B32:F15: L.B. Journal, March 15-May 18, 1848 [journal 3]
B32:F16: L.B. Journal, May 30-Aug. 1, 1848 [journal 4]
B32:F17: L.B. Journal, Aug. 2-Sept. 15, 1848
B32:F18: L.B. Journal, January 10-March 2, 1849
B32:F19: L.B. Journal, May 23-June 1, 1849 and December 13, 1849 -January 4, 1850 [journal 7]
B32:F20: L.B. Journal, July 23 and [June] 2, 1849
B32:F21: L.B. Journal, Oct. 17-December 5, 1849
B33:F1: L.B. Journal, January 8-February 14, 1850 [journal 10]
B33:F2: L.B. Journal, March 12-28, 1850 [journal 11]
B33:F3: L.B. Journal, June 5-28, [1853]
B33:F4: L.B. Journal, February 13-March 26, 1855
B33:F5: L.B. Journal, vol. x, 1855, 1856

Subseries 3: Laura Bridgman’s Dream

B34:F1: Envelope and “original” copy of Laura Bridgman’s Dream, circa 1859
B34:F2: Laura Bridgman’s Dream, written for and presented by her to J.W. Smith, January 6, [1859]
B34:F3: Copy of Laura Bridgman’s Dream, written for J.W. Smith, January 6, 1859, undated
B34:F4: Copy of Laura Bridgman’s Dream, from 1859 with envelope, 1928

Series 5: Documents and Manuscripts about Laura Bridgman, 1833-1988

Subseries 1: Published Material, circa 1833-1968

B36:F1: [family] 7 Doctoral Tracts by the American Tract Society, circa 1830’s
B36:F2: [family] 4 Publications of the New England and Perkins Institutions, 1833-1844
B36:F3: [family] 21^st Report of the Directors of the American Asylum at Hartford, 1837
[contains first written account of L.B. by Dr. Mussey and contains account of Julia Brace]
B36:F4: Clippings related to L.B., 1837-1959
B36:F5: “Laura Bridgman,” in The Illustrated Catholic Magazine, circa 1837-1889
B36:F6: Extract from Dr. Howe’s report for the year 1840, circa 1840
B36:F7: [family] Minutes of the Newport Baptist Association, 1840-1865
B37:F4: Clippings, 1841-1890
B36:F8: 3 Articles about L.B. in Mother’s Monthly Journal, 1842
B38:F1: Magazine and journal articles about L.B., 1846-1889
B38:F1: [family] 2 published sermons, 1846-1850
B37:F1: Photocopies of Vocal Sounds of Laura Bridgman by Dr. Lieber, circa 1851
Box 39: “A Paper on the Vocal Sounds of Laura Bridgman,” by Francis Lieber, 1851 [FRAGILE] use copies in B37:F1
B38:F3: Photocopy of “Writing and Reading Apparatus and Books for the Blind”, 1851
B38:F4: 4 Copies of “Laura Bridgman,” by Dr. S.G. Howe, 1857
B37:F2: Baker’s Pictorial Manual Alphabet article about L.B., 1857
B38:F5: [family] Proceedings of the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention, 1858
B38:F6: 5 Copies of “Extracts from The Reports of S.G. Howe,” 1873
B38:F7: 43^rd Annual Report of the Perkins Institution, 1874 [inscribed to Mrs. Bridgman]
B38:F7: 2 sets of clippings and envelope, 1876
B38:F9: 3 clippings about L.B. or related to deafblind persons, 1876, 1897, 1904
B38:F10: 45^th Annual Report of the Perkins Institution, 1877 [Inscribed “Mrs. Bridgman with love from Julia R. Anagnos”]
B38:F11: “Latest Particulars of the History of Laura Bridgman,” 1877 [4 copies “compiled chiefly from the last report of the late Dr. S.G. Howe]
Box 42: 8 Books and 4 Bound Clippings, 1878-1904 [2 bound clippings are about Laura Bridgman, Dr. Howe’s Famous Pupil and what He Taught Her ]
B38:F12: [family] Minutes of the N.H. Baptist Anniversary, 1881, 1889
B38:F13: [family] Clippings “A Touching Appeal by Laura Bridgman,” [1882]
B38:F14: “Education of the Blind: Historical Sketch,” by M. Anagnos, 1882
B38:F15: 4 Clippings with L.B. handwriting, 1882
B38:F16: “The Poetry of the Deaf,” in Harpers New Monthly Magazine, 1884
B38:F17: 3 Copies of “A Blind Deaf Mute by Mary C. Moore in American Magazine, 1887
B38:F18: 4 Copies of “The Writings of Laura Bridgman,” 1887
B38:F19: Clippings related to L.B. 1889
B37:F3: Clippings related to the 50^th Anniversary Celebration, 1887 [when L.B. came to Perkins]
B38:F20: “The Education of Laura D. Bridgman,” 1889 [Perkins Institution Report]
B38:F21: “Laura D. Bridgman,” in The Phrenological Journal, 1889
B40:F1: “Anatomical Observations on the Brain and Several Sense-Organs of the Blind Deaf-Mute, Laura Bridgman,” from The American Journal of Psychology, 1890 [2 photocopies for reference use]
B40:F2: “Anatomical Observations on the Brain and Several Sense-Organs of the Blind Deaf-Mute, Laura Bridgman,” from The American Journal of Psychology, 1890 [2 copies of the originals]
B40:F3: “The size of Several Cranial Nerves in Man as Indicated by the Areas of their Cross-Sections,” by Henry H. Donaldson and T.L. Bolton, in The American Journal of Psychology, 1891
B40:F4:“Bridgman,” in Knowledge: A Weekly Magazine, 1891
B40:F5: The Institution of the Deaf in America, by F.B. Sanborn, 1892 [address delivered to the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Clarke Institution]
B40:F6: Photocopy of American Notes and Pictures from Italy, by Charles Dickens, 1898
B40:F7: 4 copies of “Opinions of the story of Laura Bridgman,” circa 1903 [book reviews]
B40:F8: Article with mention of book, Dr. Howe’s Famous Pupil and what He Taught Her, 1906
B40:F9: 14 clippings and publicity for The Story of an Open Door, by Laura E. Richards, 1928-1929 [includes envelope they came in]
B40:F10: 2 Copies of “Laura Bridgman,” by Anna Gardner Fish, in The Lantern, 1937
B40:F11: [family] Newspaper articles about L.B. memorial tablet, circa 1937
B40:F12: Page with clippings related to L.B. circa 1937, 1941 [includes obituary of Carrie L. Hapgood, the niece of L.B.]
B40:F13: Photocopy of “Silhouettes of Eminent Americans, 1839, 1844, “ by Auguste Edward, 1977 [includes 7 photocopies of silhouettes of L.B. and letter concerning provenance]
B40:F14: 4 copies of “The Education of Laura Bridgman,” by P. Bradley Nutting in Yankee magazine, 1987 [includes photocopy of article]
B40:F15: “Laura Dewey Bridgman,” by Karen E. Hony in Cobblestone magazine, 1989 [original and photocopy] [issue includes article on Dorothea Dix and overview mentions S.G. Howe.
B40:F16: “Laura Bridgman and Little Nell,” by Elisabeth Gitter, from The Dickens Studies Newsletter, 1991 [original and photocopy]
B40:F17: “Charles Dickens and Samuel Gridley Howe,” by Elisabeth Gitter in Dickens Quarterly, 1991 [photocopy]
B40:F18: 2 photocopies of “An Object of Peculiar Interest,” in Church History magazine, 1992
B40:F19: “Deaf Mutes and Heroines in the Victorian Era,” by Elisabeth Gitter, 1993
B40:F20: “More Important than a Rabble of Kings,” by Ernest Freeberg, 1994 [2 photocopies]
B41:F1: “Educated in Total Darkness,” by Conrad Williams in Success, 1898
B41:F2: Newspapers, 1890, 1891
B41:F3: Clippings, 1900-1968
B41:F4: Clippings related to the 1937 Centenary [includes “Laura Bridgman,” article by Gabriel Farrell

Subseries 2: Manuscripts, 1849-1937

B44:F1: Account of L.B.’s last meeting with her “great benefactor,” undated
B44:F2: Excerpts from L.B. journals from 1842-1843, undated
B44:F3: F.A. Kimball remembrance of L.B., undated
B44:F4: Genealogical notes about Bridgman family and Harmony Dower, undated [from L.B. trunk]
B44:F5: List of people who knew L.B., undated [includes address]
B44:F6: Notations with page numbers, related to L.B. undated
B44:F7: Notes about L.B. with page numbers, undated
B44:F8: Notes about newspaper articles related to L.B. undated
B44:F9: Notes about articles related to L.B. undated [includes page numbers]
B44:F10: Notes related to the examination of L.B.’s brain with page numbers, undated
B44:F11: Reminiscence of L.B. by her nephew, undated.
B44:F12: 3 pages of autobiographical notes, circa 1849
B44:F13: Copy of sermon by Rev. Alexander McKenzie about L.B. after her death, circa 1889 [McKenzie was pastor of the First Church of Cambridge]
B44:F14: Transcript of a remembrance of L.B. by Francis A. Humphrey, 1889
B44:F15: Remembrances of L.B., 1893 and 1890
B44:F16: 8 page recollection of L.B. by Julia E. Burnham, January1890 and revised in 1924 [typewritten transcripts]
B44:F17: Copy of Revered McKenzie remarks, July 1893
B44:F18: 16 pages of typed remembrances of L.B., 1924 [transcribed December 6, 2010]
B44:F19: Recollections about L.B. addressed to Mr. E.A. Allen, 1924
B44:F20: Lillian R. Garside recollections of L.B., May 9, 1924
B44:F21: Laura E. Richards notes about L.B. and manuscripts and correspondence related to her book, “Laura Bridgman: An Unopened Door,” 1928-1929
B44:F22: 6 page reminiscences of L.B. by Julia E. Burnham, December 8, 1937

Subseries 3: Perkins Documents and Ephemera, 1840-1988

B43:F1: Receipt for board of L.B. from state of New Hampshire, June 17, 1840
B43:F2: Wedding invitation and announcement from Lamson family, 1882
B43:F3: Cover with note that once held, ”Bill, letters ect. relative to payment of things for Laura Bridgman. Taken from safe.” [contents location unknown], 1941
B43:F4: Donation list for Laura Bridgman from Dorothea Dix, 1853
B43:F5: [family] Dedication of L.B. cottage by Sarah A. Stover, 1913 [Stover was a retired Perkins sewing teacher]
B43:F6: 3 S.A. Stover signed copies of Bridgman Cottage Dedication, 1913, 1929
B43:F7: 2 copies of a Howe Reading Club talk about L.B., November 4, 1929 [given by Mrs. Cora M. Gleason]
B43:F8: Exercises of dedication at Laura Bridgman home, Oct. 20, 1937 [2 copies]
B43:F9: Programs and 2 speeches for the 150th anniversary of L.B.’s education at Perkins, 1987, 1988

Subseries 4: S.G. Howe Earliest Correspondence and Notes Concerning L.B, circa 1840

B43:F10: “Heredity and Family Blindness,’ handwritten notes by [S.G. Howe], circa 1840
B43:F11: Dr. Howe’s handwritten notes on his education of L.B., circa 1840 [folder 1 of 2]
B43:F12: Dr. Howe’s handwritten notes on his education of L.B., circa 1840 [folder 2 of 2]

Subseries 5: Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall Manuscripts, circa 1876-1903

B45:F1: Chapter 3 (pp. 44-45) part of M. Howe and F. Howe Hall manuscript, undated
B45:F2: “Discarded letters,” including transcriptions of letters from L.B. related to manuscript, undated [newspaper used as a file folder]
B45:F3: Envelope addressed to Florence Howe Hall, blank stationery, two copies of letters to Mrs. [Merrian], and one copy of a letter to mother covering 1870’s and 1880’s, undated
B37:F5: Empty newspaper [file folder] from Maud and Florence Howe Hall, undated [“Reports to be placed 1876-1878” and “Note Dr. Brodie”]
B45:F4: Notes and transcriptions from Anagnos report, undated [after death of S.G. Howe]
B45:F5: Notes and transcriptions related to the death of Dr. Howe, undated
B45:F6: Notes and transcriptions related to M. Howe and F. Howe Hall manuscript, undated [newspaper used as a file folder]
B45:F7: Notes and transcriptions related to M. Howe and F. Howe Hall manuscript, undated
B45:F8: Notes related to M. Howe and F. Howe Hall manuscript, undated [newspaper used as file folder]
B45:F9: Part of original copy of chapter 5 – 1872 to 1882, undated
B45:F10: Part of original copy of chapter 3 of 3 – 1853 to 1859, undated
B45:F11: Transcribed letters primarily written by L.B. that span 1835-1871, undated [includes undated letters]
B45:F12: Transcribed letters primarily written by L.B. that span 1877-1887, undated
B45:F13: Transcriptions of correspondence from L.B. and Mrs. Maillard, undated [marked “First Period”]
B45:F14: Notes to Mrs. Anagnos that appear to be transcription of articles that mention L.B. in the 1800’s, undated
B45:F15: typed intro with edits to “Laura Bridgman,” book by Howe’s daughters, undated
B45:F16: Annual Report clippings related to M. Howe and F. Howe Hall manuscript, 1840 [newspaper used as file folder]
B45:F17: Handwritten numbered copies of news stories related to L.B., 1847-1888
B45:F18: Letters to Florence Howe Hall with reminiscences of L.B., 1889-1892
B45:F19: Duplicate clippings about publication of M. Howe and F. Howe Hall book, 1903

Series 6: Photographs, circa 1845-2012

B49:F1: Photograph of L.B. reading a book and reproduction, circa 1860, undated
B49:F2: 7 photographs and copies of photos of L.B. using sewing machine, circa 1870, undated
B49:F3: Magazine page featuring L.B. photograph circa 1885, undated
B49:F4: 10 black and white photographs of or related to L.B. for public relations use, undated
B49:F5: Photograph of L.B. reading embossed book, circa 1870
B49:F6: Portrait of L.B. crocheting, circa 1870 [frame it came in is located in box 50]
B49:F7: Photographic reproduction of L.B. illustration and photograph it is based on, circa 1870
B49:F8: 2 photographs of L.B. with envelope, circa 1875
B49:F9: 2 photographs of L.B. with lacy collar, circa 1875
B49:F10: Photograph of Perkins commencement with L.B., 1883
B49:F11: [family] Photograph of L.B. with hands in lap, circa 1885
B49:F12: 10 copies of L.B. photograph with hands in lap, circa 1885
B49:F13: 5 photographs of L.B. threading needle with tongue, circa 1885
B49:F14: Photograph of L.B. threading needle, circa 1885 [frame it came in is in box 50]
B49:F15: 6 copies and 1 reproduction of photograph of L.B. seated in chair, circa 1885
B49:F16: 10 copies of L.B. photograph with arm on chair, circa 1885
B49:F17: 6 photographs of L.B. crocheting chignon covers, circa 1885 [includes a matte for framing]
B49:F18: 2 photographs of L.B. reading an embossed book, 1888
B49:F19: Centennial celebration photographs and clipping, 1937 [100th anniversary of L.B.’s arrival at Perkin’s]
B49:F20: Photographs of L.B.’s birthplace, homestead, and tombstone, circa 1937
B49:F21: [family] 3 photographs of L.B.’s burial place, circa 1963
B49:F22: 2 photographs of George and Barbara Weintz at L.B. home, 1980 [includes letter from the New Hampshire Association for the Blind]
B49:F23: 5 photographs of L.B.’s birthplace and burial site, 1984
B49:F24: Color photographs and maps of L.B.’s birthplace and burial place, 1990 [photographed by James and Josephine Travaglia]
B49:F25: 9 color prints of daguerreotype portraits of L.B. from circa 184 5-1846, 1992 [prints made at the New England Conservation Center]
B49:F26: A CD and 7 photographs of L.B. textiles, including clothing, 2012
B50:F1: Frame and copy of original portrait of L.B. crocheting, circa 1870 [Original is located in box 49, folder 6]
B50:F2: Frame and copy of portrait of Laura Bridgman threading a needle with her tongue, circa 1885 [Original is located in box 49, folder 14]
Box: 51: large daguerreotype of L.B., circa, 1846
B52:F1: 5 Daguerreotype portraits of L.B., including one with Sarah Wight, circa 1845 and 1846
B53:F1: Large framed photograph of L.B., that she once owned, circa 1870
B53:F2: Framed photograph of L.B. threading a needle, circa 1885

Series 7: Artwork

B54:F1: Photographic reproduction of 1903 illustration of S.G.H. teaching L.B., undated
Box 83: [Unfinished painting/underpainting] of S.G.H. teaching L.B., undated
B54:F2: 8 reproductions of the 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, undated
B54:F3: 11 souvenir photographic reproductions of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, undated [includes 4 pamphlets]
B54:F4: Matted print of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, undated [“Laura Bridgman teaching Oliver Caswell, a fellow deaf-blind pupil. A copy of a portrait by Mr. D. Fisher which he presented as a gift to Dr. and Mrs. Howe upon their return from their wedding journey in 1844”.]
B54:F5: Photographic reproduction of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, undated
B54:F6: Print reproduction of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, undated
B54:F7: Color sketch of exhibit honoring L.B. at the Wilberforce School for the Blind in England, 1833 [includes letter that came with the sketch]
B54:F8: Lithograph of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, circa 1844
Box 55: Framed lithograph of 1844 painting of L.B. teaching Oliver Caswell, circa 1844
Box 56: Painting of L.B. writing, artist unknown, undated
Box 57: Framed oil painting of Laura Bridgman teaching Oliver Caswell to read by Alvan Fisher, circa 1844 [The painting (without the frame) is 29″ x 37″]

Series 8: Artifacts

Subseries 1: Personal Items and Artifacts, circa 1867-1874, bulk undated

B58:F1: Braille booklet given to L.B., [contains raised pictures of leaves], undated
Box 81: Laura Bridgman’s trunk, undated
B58:F2: Writing guide, undated
B58:F3: Manuscript with signatures of L.B. and Oliver Caswell, undated
B58:F4: Photocopies of sewing machine manual and advertisement, circa 1867
B58:F5: Original sewing machine manual and advertisement, circa 1867 [Extremely Fragile]
Museum: L.B.’s dark eye glasses, circa 1870
Box 82: L.B.’s Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine, circa 1874
Museum: Silver napkin ring inscribed L.D.B., circa 1880
Box 59: 2 Porcelain memento cups, undated
Box 60: Silver tableware engraved with L.B.’s name or initials (napkin holder, cup, fork and spoon) and knife with box [trunk], undated
Box 61: Leaves for a bed quilt made by Katie Grand (deafblind) Newton Ma, includes Katie photo, frame and photo of L.B. reading book, 1885
Box 62: Glasses, 3 eye fillets, shells, autograph book, potpourri, baby head, award medallion, watch box and winder, tube that once held 25 sheets of paper [trunk], undated
Box 71: [OS] Parasol and Shell Comb, undated
Box 63: Sewing machine parts from L.B.s sewing machine, circa 1874

Subseries 2: Clothing, circa 1874-1885, bulk undated

Box. 72: L.B.’s white stole, undated
Box 73: White shawl, undated
Box 74: Knit scarf [trunk], undated
Box 75: Black shawl, undated
Box 76: White Linen Blouse, undated [conservation at URI 5/2013] [trunk]
Box 77: Night dress with L.B. Name on it (1 of 2), undated
Box 78: Night dress with L.B. name on it (2 of 2), undated
Box 79: L.B.’s plaid skirt, sleeved shirt with built in mantle or head cover, and cuffs, undated

Subseries 3: Textiles, undated

Box 64: Knitting and yarn, sleeves, hanging ornament, bag containing L.B.’s yarn remnants, undated
Box 65: 8 Doilies and 3 bun covers, undated
Box 66: 24 pieces of lace tatting, undated
Box 67: Sewing materials and beaded work [beads=trunk], undated
Museum: Unfinished knitted lace on L.B.’s original needle (hat pin), undated
Box 68: Unfinished plaid dress, undated
Box 69: Other textiles presumably made by L.B. (socks [trunk], napkins, ribbon [trunk] ect) undated
Box 70: Fabric of unknown origin from L.B. [trunk], undated
Box 71: 19th century doll with clothes on made by L.B., undated
Museum: Gold thimble, needle and thimble case, 1855 [needle and thimble case inscribed “To Laura Bridgman – J. Banvard, April 27, 1855]

Subseries 4: Related Artifacts 1829-1947,

Museum: Plaster copy of L.B. bust by Sophia Peabody, 1841
Box 80: Plaster Cast of L.B.’s Brain, 1890
B58:F6: Empty box from Boston photographer C.F. Conly, undated
B58:F7: Perkins museum and exhibit labels, undated
B56:F8: Pamphlet, almanac, and card, 1829-1885
B58:F9: [family] Print of lithograph: [President] Garfield and family, 1881
B58:F10: Needle threaded by L.B. and related notes and provenance, 1884, 1930
[thread no longer in needle]
B58:F11: Provenance and notes about items made or owned by L.B. undated, 1923, 1947 [trunk]

Subseries 5: Braille and Embossed Books, correspondence, and Ephemera, circa 1869-1860

Box 46: “A Selection of Psalms, from Doctor Watts and other Authors,” embossed book, 1835
[belonged to L.B.]
B47:F1: Paper with braille on it, undated
[glued to inside of former housing]
B47:F2: [family] “Friend after Friend Departs,” hymn in Braille, undated
B47:F3: Page of prickings with alphabet, undated
B47:F4: 2 hand bound braille books, undated
B47:F5: [family] “The Lords Prayer,’ in Philadelphia Line Type, circa 1868
B47:F6: “The Old, Old Story Printed for the Blind,” embossed book, 1869 [thought perhaps to have belonged to L.B.]
B47:F7: “Longfellow’s Birthday,” by Julia R. Anagnos embossed book, 1882 [Howe Memorial Press]
B47:F8: Perkins Program for Bach’s Bi-Centenary, circa 1885
B47:F9: Braille correspondence, including letter from Lydia Hayes, undated
B47:F10: Envelope, and “The Blind Child’s Fourth Book,” embossed book with extra cover, 1860
B47:F11: “The Work of the Holy Spirit, our comforter,” by W.P. Mackay, M.A., 1876 [embossed spiritual writing belonging to L.B.]
Box 48: Braille Copy of “Laura Bridgman: The Story of an Opened Door,” by Laura E. Richards, 1928 [in 3 parts]

Provenance:

The materials in this collection come from a variety of sources (artificial collection). Some of the materials have been at Perkins School for the Blind since Bridgman’s arrival in 1837. Three boxes were donated by Bridgman’s family in July 1968. These are delineated with [family] on the folder. Small numbers of photos and articles have continued to be added through various donations from Perkins staff and researchers. Accession letters are collocated when available. Items with the annotation [trunk], or [from tied bundle in trunk] indicates that it was found in Laura Bridgman’s trunk. Provenance for the material found in the trunk is unknown.

Subject headings:

Perkins School for the Blind.
Perkins School for the Blind–History.
Bridgman, Laura Dewey, 1829-1889
Howe, S. G. (Samuel Gridley), 1801-1876
People who are deafblind
People who are deafblind–Education

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