Helen's World Tour

After the tragic death of Helen’s mother, and the illness of Anne Sullivan, Helen’s teacher, friend and companion, Helen became even closer with friend Polly Thomson. The two of them temporarily continued the vaudeville show that Helen and Anne had made successful but soon moved on to bigger goals. Helen and Polly began touring the world to raise money for the blind. After the death of Anne Sullivan and World War II, their traveling increased. The pair traveled to countries such as Australia, Japan, and England doing fundraising for The American Foundation for the Overseas Blind. (“Life of Helen Keller”) Helen had been counselor of international relations for this Association, previously the American Braille Press. Because of her position, she had the privilege of touring all of these countries; 39 countries overall on five continents. On these trips Helen was able to meet with all different kids of people; from veterans of the war to disabled children and international royalty/leaders. Her longest tour went through Asia in 1948. Helen and Polly were able to visit Nagasaki and Hiroshima to see the affects that the Atomic Bomb had had on the country and their people. (“Helen Keller Kids Museum”) In honor of Helen, many countries like India, the Soviet Union, and Egypt opened centers named after Helen to help the blind and disabled. Also due to her work with the organization, the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind was eventually renamed Helen Keller International. Polly Thomson grew increasingly frailer during these tours after a mild stroke and eventually passed away in 1960. Polly’s death led to an end in large public appearances for Helen, who spoke publicly for the last time in 1961 at the Lions Club Meeting in Washington, DC. After this, Helen retired to her home of Arcan Ridge in Easton Connecticut. (“Helen Keller Biography”)