New York State Library “New York at 250” Resource Guide

The New York State Library’s New York at 250: A Resource Guide for Public Libraries and Partners features Dr. Robert F. Panara.  The entry links to the New York State “250” LibGuide, where readers can access expanded content, including a biographical profile drawn from Dr. Harry G. Lang's works Teaching from the Heart and Soul and A Phone of Our Own: The Deaf Insurrection Against Ma Bell  which documents the history of the TTY and its impact on Deaf communication.

The resource includes classroom discussion questions and learning activities connected to both books, as well as links to the Panara exhibits and related educational materials. Together, these resources provide multiple pathways for exploring Deaf history, communication access, literature, advocacy, and Panara’s lasting contributions to Deaf education and culture.

While Dr. Panara is one featured individual within the statewide New York at 250 initiative, the guide also explores broader themes such as the Constitution and civic life, Indigenous history, women’s history, and education and social reform. These themes create opportunities to connect RIT/NTID collections, Deaf history, and instructional programming to the statewide America 250 commemoration and encourage broader engagement with Deaf perspectives within New York history.

The Hands in Motion: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Robert F. Panara exhibit in the RIT Museum (Wallace Library, third floor) continues to serve as an educational and cultural resource for the campus community and has been extended through the end of the fall semester. Faculty interested in incorporating Deaf history, literature, education, or advocacy into their courses are encouraged to schedule class visits or exhibit tours this summer or fall.