Helen was born in Tiscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1889. She was a happy healthy baby. But when she was almost 2 years old, Helen became very sick. In time, Helen got well. But her illness left her deaf and blind. Helen felt all alone in a dark and silent world, because Helen could not hear. Helen also could not talk. She had no way to tell other people how she felt or what she thought. Helen Keller became famous by being the first blind person to read regular books. Dr. Bell said there was a special way deaf people could, "talk" by making signs with their fingers.

Helen died on June 1, 1968. Many people all over the world still remember her courageous, helpful life.