Each year, National Deaf History Month is celebrated to commemorate the achievements of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. In 2026, it runs from April 1 through April 30.
This timeframe was chosen to signify significant milestones in deaf education history, including:
- The opening of the first public school for the deaf on April 15, 1817.
- The founding of Gallaudet University on April 8, 1864. It was dedicated to advanced education for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- The appointment of Gallaudet University’s first deaf president on March 13, 1988.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) introduced National Deaf History Month in 1997, and since 2006, the American Library Association has partnered with NAD to support and raise awareness about this celebration. Although there have been ongoing advocacy efforts, Congress has not officially designated any part of National Deaf History Month as a federally recognized holiday.
St. Louis celebrates Deaf History Month
- March 28, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm – 1904 Deaf Film Festival at 2190 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
- April 11, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm – StL Deaf Bowling at Plaza Lanes Bowling Center in St. Charles
- April 14, 2026 at 8:30 pm – St. Louis Blues Deaf Awareness Night at Enterprise Center.
- May 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm – STL Deaf Art Museum + Picnic at Art Hill, Forest Park