Manuscripts

Gallaudet University Archives

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 93
Creator:
Title: Papers of Robert O. Lankenau
Quantity: 6.5 Linear Feet (13 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2006 January 3.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The papers of Robert O. Lankenau and the National Association of the Deaf were donated to the Gallaudet University Archives by Robert O. Lankenau.
Processed by: Gary W. Brooks. 1999 May 12.
Processing Note: See MSS 149, Robert O. Lankenau Papers.
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:

Films

• Edward Miner Gallaudet Statue Dedication [motion picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film 139-4

Manuscripts

• Collection , National Association of the Deaf, 1962-1979. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: MSS 93

SMSS

• Papers of Robert O. Lankenau, 1942. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: SMSS

Vertical Files

• Robert O. Lankenau. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Biographical

Biographical Sketch

Robert Lankenau was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended the Indiana School for the Deaf. He graduated from Gallaudet University in 1942 with a BS in Chemistry and Mathematics and worked at Firestone for over 42 years

He was the president of the NAD from 1968-1972. During his tenure as president, he purchased the Halex House where the NAD headquarters relocated. Lankenau was one of the founders of Ohio Association for the Deaf. He was one of the few people who helped established Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. He contributed to the effort to obtain automobile insurance for deaf drivers. He was a member of Telecommunications for the Deaf, Incorporated (TDI) and served as its president for eight years. He was involved in numerous of government commissions and different committees.

During the last five years of his life, he devoted his time to research and statistical analysis. Robert Lankenau died July 22, 2000.

Scope and Content

The collection of Robert O. Lankenau and the National Association of the Deaf is extremely broad, covering a wide range of subjects. The collection consists of correspondence, reports, letters, organizations-related papers, convention notes, and records from various Executive Board, Home Office Board, Officers, Committee, and General.

The collection is broken up into seven series: Executive Secretary Administration; Junior National Association of the Deaf Administration; National Association of the Deaf Administration; National Association of the Deaf Business Correspondence (outgoing); Cultural Programs, President Lankenau's papers, and General Records which consists of approximately 3,876 papers dated from 1962-1979. There are 13 boxes in this collection.

Overall, this collection provides a rich and insightful history of the National Association of the Deaf into one of the foremost deaf organizations in the United States.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists
No Series.