Research is one of the best parts of being a historical writer. I love learning about the past and incorporating true-to-life people and places in my stories.
In my debut novel, Under This Same Sky, one of my characters is blinded by an injury to the head. His loss of sight embarks him and his daughter, Becky, on an unexpected journey to what was then known as The Missouri Institute for the Education for the Blind.
The first schools for the blind were developed in Europe in the late 1700’s, but it wasn’t until the early 1800’s that America adopted the idea. Prior to that time, there was no formal training for those who were blind. They were often viewed as detriments to society or charity cases.
Set in 1854, Under This Same Sky takes place just three years after the Missouri School for the Blind was founded. I included the school’s founder, Eli Whelan, as one of my minor characters, doing my best to stay true to his nature in a fictional account.
It was Mr. Whelan’s belief that blind students had the ability to learn the same as sighted students. The Missouri Institute for the Education of the Blind offered a variety of avenues for blind students to achieve including music, craft work, and a formal education of the mind.
While Braille wasn’t adapted until 1860 in America, in 1854, at the time Under This Same Sky takes place, the St. Louis based school for the blind trained students to read using a raised letter system developed by a man named Samuel Howe. With the use of large, raised letters, blind students were able to read and write for the first time. The problem was, books were bulky and difficult to manage.
The Missouri Institute for the Education for the Blind eventually became what is now The Missouri School for the Blind. They also changed locations more than once due to a need for expansion. One such move occurred while my characters were attending the school. Not only do they endure the hardship of adapting to the new building, but also some added challenges of my own making. =)
While I’ve fictionalized many of the people and events surrounding the school for the blind, it is my prayer that readers will enjoy this added piece of history behind the Missouri School for the Blind. This institute, and others like it, are lighthouses for the blind for they provide purpose and hope to those who once had no such blessings.
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
I always enjoy hearing about the research for a historical. This is especially fun for me since I recently read Under this Same Sky. Be sure and check it out!
So glad you enjoyed it, Perrianne! Thanks for your feedback! Blessings!
I love stories centered around lighthouses. People who worked in them did a great service to those traveling on waterways. I am always reminded of Jesus being our lighthouse. As the words of the gospel song say, “If is wasn’t for the lighthouse, where would this ship be?” Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful books!
Sorry If it wasn’t
Oh I love that song, Linda! My sister and cousin used to sing it years ago! Thanks for sharing and for your kind words regarding my novels. Much appreciated! Blessings!
A great theme regarding schools for the blind! I was able to work with a traveling teacher for the blind serving three school districts. We visited the KS school for the blind in Kansas City twice.
How neat, Linda! Thanks so much for sharing! So glad you stopped by to read it.
Thank you for that information. I really like when historic fiction includes real historical facts that the author has researched.
Thanks, Bonnie! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was fun revisiting my research for that first novel! =)
Fascinating! I love learning about the history woven into a story.
Thanks, Betsy! So glad you enjoyed it! Blessings!