Willard Park
William and Elizabeth Willard, who were both deaf, established a school for deaf students in Indianapolis in 1843. Later named the Indiana School for the Deaf, it was incorporated as a state institution in 1844 with William as its first principal. The coeducational school moved into larger facilities here in 1850. William continued as an instructor into the 1860s.
The Indiana School for the Deaf provided quality academic education, vocational training, and instruction in sign language and oral speech. State-funded tuition and board opened the academic world to many deaf Hoosiers for the first time. In 1911, the school moved to a new location near the State Fairgrounds and a portion of the grounds here became Willard Park.
Erected 2019 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana School for the Deaf, and Indiana School for the Deaf Alumni Association. (Marker Number 49.2019.5.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 39° 46.039′ N, 86° 7.746′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Near Eastside. Marker is on East Washington Street (U.S. 40) just east of
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Former U.S. Arsenal (approx. 0.6 miles away); Crossing of the National and Michigan Roads (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indianapolis Public Library Branch No. 3 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Woodruff Place (approx. 0.7 miles away); James Whitcomb Riley Home (approx. one mile away); Rosenbaum House (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. Vincent’s Infirmary (approx. 1.1 miles away); Little Sisters of the Poor (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
