What was the former name of Gallaudet College, which was renamed in 1894?

• A. The National Deaf Mute College
• B. The National Institute for the Deaf
• C. The American School for the Deaf
• D. The College for Deaf Studies

Answer: (A)

The former name of Gallaudet College, which changed its name in 1894, was indeed The National Deaf Mute College. This name reflected the terminology of the time and indicated the institution's focus on providing higher education to individuals who were deaf. The college was established in 1864 as the first institution for higher education for the deaf in the United States and was pivotal in advancing educational access and opportunities for deaf individuals.

In 1894, the name was changed to honor Edward Miner Gallaudet, who was instrumental in the school's development. Gallaudet's influence was profound not just in naming the college but also in shaping deaf education practices. Understanding this historical context is essential as it highlights the evolution of the institution's identity and how it has been viewed within both deaf culture and society at large.