Statue Of Helen Keller To Be Unveiled October 7 At U.S. Capitol

On Wednesday, the U.S. House cleared the way for a statue of Helen Keller to be displayed at the U.S. Capitol. The statue will be unveiled on October 7 in a ceremony at the Capitol. Representatives unanimously approved a resolution accepting the statue of the Tuscumbia native. The Senate previously approved a similar resolution.

The monument to Keller will permanently reside in the Main Hall of the new 580,000-square-foot Capitol Visitor's Center.


The unveiling marks the end of a process that took several years, initiated when Governor Bob Riley served in the U.S. House of Representatives, to fund, commission, and complete the statue. The figure, cast in bronze, was paid for with private donations.

"Helen Keller was an amazing woman who honored our state with courage and determination," said Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Huntsville). "Her ability to overcome some of life's most intimidating challenges was a true testament to what it is to be American."

Keller, born in Tuscumbia on June 27, 1880, lost her sight and hearing after a bout of meningitis before her second birthday. She overcame these enormous obstacles, going on to become an internationally recognized author and activist. A pioneer for all those with disabilities throughout the world, Keller was, in the words of LIFE Magazine, a "national treasure" and "one of the 100 most important Americans of the 20th Century."

Keller's life story and work also received official recognition on Alabama's quarter, part of the 50 State commemorative coin set issued by the U.S. Mint, which included her likeness and the inscription "Spirit of Courage." Each state donates two statues to display in the Capitol complex. Alabama's other honored figure is "Fighting" Joe Wheeler, a Civil War general and nine-term U.S. Representative.