Teatime Talk: Hidden in Plain Sight: Deaf People in 18th-Century Ireland
NewsTeatime TalksPublished 07 April 2025
14 Henrietta Street presents Teatime Talks a series of talks inspired by the history and people of 14 Henrietta Street.
By listening and engaging with visitors, historians, experts, local people, former tenement residents and their families, we continue to uncover, record and respond to the 300 year story of 14 Henrietta Street.
This talk will be given in Irish Sign Language and interpreted for hearing audience members.
Discover the hidden lives of deaf people in 18th-century Ireland. Join tour guide Alvean Jones to explore the resilience and ingenuity of individuals like scientist Robert Long and author Jonathan Swift, navigating a world of limited access and prejudice. Learn how deafness intersected with social class, gender, and colonialism, and how their stories enrich our understanding of Irish history.
Alvean E. Jones is a member of the Deaf Community with a deep passion for preserving their rich heritage. She studied history as one of her subjects for her primary degree at UCD. Her connection to the Deaf Heritage Centre Ireland has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to this endeavour. In 2016, she had the privilege of co-editing "Through the Arch," a book that honoured the 170th anniversary of St Mary’s School for Deaf Girls. Translating historical articles into Irish Sign Language is a way Alvean tries to bridge the past with the present, and she is honoured to also serve as a museum guide at 14 Henrietta Street.
When: Thursday 15 May, 6 pm.
This talk will take place in person on the 1st floor of the Museum and can be accessed via lift. The talk will run for 60 minutes. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on +353 1 524 0383 or email us at info@14henriettastreet.ie.