Dedication to Education

Daniel Wadsworth supported Dr. Mason Cogswell’s dream for a deaf education from its inception. In 1815, he was amongst a handful of gentlemen Cogswell invited to his home to discuss the idea for a school and became an incorporating member of the school.

Philanthropically minded, Wadsworth opened this art museum in 1842. Today the 1822 portraits of the Clerc family are on display at this museum. Charles Willson Peale painted the likenesses of Laurent Clerc and his wife Elizabeth (Boardman) Clerc. Although they belong to the American School for the Deaf they are displayed at this institution.

Credits and Sources:

Photos courtesy of:

Keenan; Wadsworth Atheneum; ASD/Wadsworth.