Media Contact:
\nSteve Baldwin, Ph.D.
\ndfsmithtx@aol.com or (512) 410-0415<\/p>\n
FOR RELEASE APRIL 18, 2012<\/p>\n
Capitol Exhibit and Ceremonies Celebrate Deaf Smith\u2019s 225th Birthday<\/strong><\/p>\n AUSTIN, TX [April 18, 2012]\u2014Erastus \u201cDeaf\u201d Smith – a famous spy, scout and soldier of the Texas Revolution \u2013 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my vision that this exhibit will bring attention to Smith\u2019s amazing feats,\u201d independent researcher, historian, author and retired educator Steve Baldwin, Ph.D., said.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n \u201cDeaf Smith\u2019s contributions underscore the fact that people with disabilities made Texas what it is today,\u201d Baldwin adds.<\/p>\n WHAT: Erastus \u201cDeaf\u201d Smith\u2019s 225th Birthday Celebration Ceremony and Exhibit<\/p>\n WHERE: Texas State Capitol<\/p>\n WHEN: Exhibit on Display April 18 \u2013 20, 2012<\/p>\n April 18, 2012<\/p>\n 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony – Legislative Conference Center, Room E2.002 April 19, 2012<\/p>\n 6:30-8:30 PM Mr. and Miss TSD \u2013 Exhibit Docents<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Media Contact: Steve Baldwin, Ph.D. dfsmithtx@aol.com or (512) 410-0415 FOR RELEASE APRIL 18, 2012 Capitol Exhibit and Ceremonies Celebrate Deaf Smith\u2019s 225th Birthday AUSTIN, TX [April 18, 2012]\u2014Erastus \u201cDeaf\u201d Smith – a famous spy, scout and soldier of the Texas…<\/p>\n
\nRibbon Cutting\/Exhibit Opens – Capitol Rotunda, Ground Flo
\nNoon-2:00 PM TSD 7th Grade Students – Exhibit Docents
\n6:30-8:30 PM Mr. and Miss TSD \u2013 Exhibit Docents<\/p>\n