Curatorial Statement: History of Printers Introduction

The histories of Deaf printers at The Washington Post are intertwined with broader historical events and trends. This project strives to document and present how Deaf workers contributed to the production and distribution of mass media in the twentieth century; how vocational training prepared Deaf workers for the printing trades; how Deaf workers reshaped the workplace expanding the linguistic strategies employed; and how union membership shaped employment experiences of Deaf printers. This exhibit explores the historical subjects which influenced the employment of Deaf printers at The Washington Post, giving a brief overview of the broader events and ideas which serve as a backdrop to these stories.