Abstract

This article describes the vision and realization of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a beacon of Deaf heritage contribution in Canada and internationally, with a focus on community-generated accomplishment and celebration. The authors highlight the unique historical role of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a freestanding cultural space set in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, which is a hub of culture, arts, and entertainment. The center features the diverse ways in which the community influences both itself and society at large. This contrasts with other institutions that place themselves in tandem with Deaf schools or service agencies and/or focus on external impacts on the Deaf community. The authors reflect on the importance of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as the embodiment of Deaf self-determination in public history both in its institutional context and in its public exhibits. Together they provide an affirming message about the cultural contributions of the Deaf community in public history.

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