Capitol Exhibit and Ceremonies Celebrate Deaf Smith’s 225th Birthday

Media Contact:
Steve Baldwin, Ph.D.
[email protected] or (512) 410-0415

FOR RELEASE APRIL 18, 2012

Capitol Exhibit and Ceremonies Celebrate Deaf Smith’s 225th Birthday

AUSTIN, TX [April 18, 2012]—Erastus “Deaf” Smith – a famous spy, scout and soldier of the Texas Revolution – is honored on what would have been his 225th birthday with a celebration ceremony and special exhibit at the Texas Capitol, today through April 20.

Representing the work of eight artists from different periods and different mediums, the exhibit features 16 unique displays, including various historic paintings, photos, knives, a curious street sign, a taped one-act play and a wax figure of Deaf Smith himself.

Smith settled in San Antonio, where he married Guadalupe Ruiz Duran in 1822. The union produced four children, all recorded by the Daughters of the Texas Republic. Because of his gradual hearing loss, Smith always hunted alone, avoided crowds, spoke too loud, and taught his dog to alert him to surrounding sounds. Personally chosen by General Sam Houston, the ever-taciturn Smith took over the spy and scout unit of the Texan army. His greatest contribution to the war was his pivotal role in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836.

“It is my vision that this exhibit will bring attention to Smith’s amazing feats,” independent researcher, historian, author and retired educator Steve Baldwin, Ph.D., said.

Baldwin is an avid Deaf Smith enthusiast who arranged the exhibit, and has also written a colorful, definitive 20-page commemorative booklet now available through the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD).

“Deaf Smith’s contributions underscore the fact that people with disabilities made Texas what it is today,” Baldwin adds.

WHAT: Erastus “Deaf” Smith’s 225th Birthday Celebration Ceremony and Exhibit

WHERE: Texas State Capitol

WHEN: Exhibit on Display April 18 – 20, 2012

April 18, 2012

9:00 AM Opening Ceremony – Legislative Conference Center, Room E2.002
Ribbon Cutting/Exhibit Opens – Capitol Rotunda, Ground Flo
Noon-2:00 PM TSD 7th Grade Students – Exhibit Docents
6:30-8:30 PM Mr. and Miss TSD – Exhibit Docents

April 19, 2012

6:30-8:30 PM Mr. and Miss TSD – Exhibit Docents

MORE: The Deaf Smith exhibit is endorsed and supported by the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD), Texas Humanities, Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf, ViUDA Bistro and Communication by Hand.

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