MSS 141

Sonnenstrahl, Deborah M., 1935-
Papers of Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl, 1882-2002

Gallaudet University Archives.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 141
Creator:
Title: Papers of Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl, 1882-2002.
Quantity: 3 Linear Feet (6 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2008 February 7.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl collection was given to the Gallaudet University Archives by Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl in 2003.
Processed by: Sara Robinson. 2005.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:

Photographs

·        Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Portraits.

Vertical Files

·         Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Biographical

Biographical Sketch

Deborah Meranski was born deaf on October 13, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland.  She graduated from Gallaudet College in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree in Art.  During her junior year at Gallaudet, she got married to Alfred Sonnenstrahl and pregnant with her first child, Samuel. She first started working at Gallaudet in 1965 as a professor in Art History and taught for 30 years.  Then, Sonnenstrahl received her Masters in Art History in 1976 from Catholic University of America.  Also, she got her Museum Studies Professional Certificate in 1985 and Ph.D. in Museum Studies in 1987 from New York University.

Sonnenstrahl has two children, Samuel and Beth Sonnenstrahl.  She is well known for her published works which are titled, “Why Art History in the Education of the Deaf” and “Deaf Artists in America: Colonial to Contemporary.”  Sonnenstrahl got involved in several organizations and directed several plays including the prize winning one act play for the National Association of the Deaf Convention in 1970.  She won several awards including 1992 District of Columbia Professor of the Year and numerous awards that were given at Gallaudet. She changed back to her maiden name and is currently living in Florida. 

Scope and Content

The Deborah M. Sonnenstrahl papers include approximately 5,100 items.  The majority papers are about Deaf artists’ background and their life work. These papers are her manuscript for her book, Deaf Artists in America. Mostly papers are copied from articles, books, etc between 1882 and 1990s. Her correspondence are included between 1980s and 2002.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists

No Series.