MSS 131

Wood, Sharon Kay, 1945-2003.
Papers of Sharon K. Wood, 1915-1989.

Gallaudet University Archives.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 131
Creator:
Title: Papers of Sharon K. Wood, 1915-1989.
Quantity: 1.5 Linear Feet (3 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2006 January 11.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Sharon K. Wood Papers were given to the Gallaudet University Archives by Sharon Wood on June 9, 1990.
Processed by: Sara Robinson. 2004 October 24.
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

·         Sharon K. Wood [picture].Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Portraits

Small Manuscripts

·         Papers, Sharon Wood, 1986-1988. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS

 

Vertical Files

·         Sharon Wood. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Biographical

 

Biographical Sketch

Sharon Kay Wood was born in Idaho on February 25, 1945. She became deaf at 18 months of age from spinal meningitis. She attended three residential schools for the deaf and graduated from the Arizona School for the Deaf in 1963. In 1968, she graduated from Gallaudet College with a B.S. in Library Science, minoring in Drama. During her years at Gallaudet, she was awarded the Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Actress awards. In 1983, she graduated from New York University with a M.A. in Deafness Education. Wood taught at various schools for the deaf including the Texas School for the Deaf, South Carolina School for the Deaf, New York School for the Deaf at Rome, and Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. In addition to teaching at various deaf schools, she also taught sign language in New York City and was an adjunct professor at NYU.  Wood has also worked as a professional actress with the National Theatre of the Deaf. She performed in one-woman shows as a lecturer/entertainer on issues about deaf women. She published a book with Marjoriebelle S. Holcomb entitled “Deaf Women: A Parade Through the Decades” in 1989. She passed away on May 12, 2003 from complications of heart and lung failure.

Scope and Content

The Sharon Kay Wood papers consist of news clippings, Deaf periodicals, correspondence, notes, artwork, bibliographies, biographies, poetry, speeches, and booklets. The dates range from 1915 to 1989, with the bulk dating from 1987-1988. The majority of papers deal with Wood’s publication, “Deaf Women: A Parade Through the Decades.” There are biographies of dozens of different Deaf women throughout the United States and this collection gives the researcher a good idea of the role of women in the Deaf community during the late 20^th century.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists

No Series.