Blue Fern Travel Favorites: Deaf-owned Food and Drink Businesses in D.C.

Since DC has one of the largest deaf populations in the country, we wanted to share the history of higher education that gave students an opportunity to succeed and 2 local businesses helping future generations to see they are represented in the community. 

Gallaudet University

(photo courtesy of The Library of Congress)

In 1816, Laurent Clerc and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet left Paris to open the United State’s first school for deaf. In 1864, they expanded their work to higher education.  In 1894, the name changed to Gallaudet College as tribute to the man behind the institution and with an act from Congress, was granted the title of university in 1986 with Gallaudet University. 

Today, students can earn a bachelor of arts or science degree and go on to complete a graduate degree as well. 

Fun fact: All diplomas of Gallaudet graduates are signed by the sitting President of the United States of America. 

Gallaudet University continues to be a beacon of inspiration for the advancement of deaf and hard of hearing people. With such great education, some of their own continue to find success in their alma mater’s city.