Helen Keller Birthplace, Alabama, United States
4.5 (164 reviews) Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #1 in Tuscumbia Theatre & Performances
One of History’s Most Inspiring Stories
Because of the play and movie “The Miracle Worker” most people know the story of Helen Keller. What a treat it was for me to visit Ivy Green, the birthplace of one of history’s most inspiring stories! The staff is wonderful. They offer a personalized tour of the downstairs (no extra charge) or you can walk through the house yourself. The house is furnished with 85% original items (including what the guide called a “fainting couch,” a place for ladies to collapse from the hot Alabama summer days). Keller’s story is so widely known that there wasn’t much for the guides to add; however, they do know their history well. They’re also familiar with anecdotal facts (such as the story behind the creation of Braille). The stop was well worth my time, and I would be more than happy to visit again.
Address
300 N. Commons West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Mobile
Website
http://www.themiracleworker.info
Working hours
Monday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday : 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday :
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 8:42
User Ratings
4.5 based on (164 reviews)
Reviews
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5MonroeLouisiana 5:00 PM Sep 17, 2020
The Wonder of Helen Keller
This stop was last-minute decision because we really did not know it still existed until we entered Alabama and a friend mentioned that she had been here. We were so glad we stopped! To some people, the house may seem small (not a mansion) and the grounds may seem boring if you do not have an interest in Helen Keller. I thought I knew a lot about Helen's life, having read part of her autobiography and having taught the play based on her life. But I found lots of interesting information here that I did not know before. For instance, the house is in town, not in the country, not too far from downtown and the train depot where Anne Sullivan arrived to become Helen's teacher. The house contains original furniture and portraits of the family. I enjoyed seeing Helen's photos through the years, but I especially liked one of Annie Sullivan that showed she was really quite a beauty. One of the bedrooms has been made into a small museum about Helen's life. I especially liked viewing her handwritten letters and her guide used to make such neat lines of penmanship. Out behind the house is the original pump where Helen learned her first word "water." Other buildings include the Carriage House cottage, an outdoor kitchen, a Lions Club building with a tribute to Helen and comittment to help the blind, and an outdoor theatre where "The Miracle Worker" is performed each summer. The gardens include a brick walkway, sections of plants contributed by several countries, and a garden fountain. We arrived just in time for the last house tour (which you can also explore on your own) and were also able to tour the gardens before closing. A wonderful tribute to Helen's accomplishments and the determination of Annie Sullivan!
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5Kelly Owings 5:00 PM Jan 21, 2021
Road trip
The guided tour guide inside the house was so knowledgeable and provided lots of history, we enjoyed seeing items from her life. Outside you can walk at your pace to look around, the actual water pump is amazing to see in person. A definite stop on anyone’s road trip.
