JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins announced an upcoming public program at the Missouri State Archives that will celebrate the legacy of a trailblazing Deaf Missourian. Poet of the Rebellion: Laura Redden Searing and Deaf History in Missouri will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center in Jefferson City.
Hosted by the Missouri State Archives and the Friends of the Missouri State Archives, the event features Lawrence Yates, President of the Missouri Association of the Deaf, and Becky M. Davis, Executive Director of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Together, they will highlight the remarkable life and literary contributions of Laura Redden Searing—a 19th-century journalist and poet who, despite being Deaf, made her mark as a prominent Civil War correspondent under the pen name Howard Glyndon.
“Searing’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance, creativity, and the profound impact of diverse voices in our shared history,” said Secretary Hoskins. “We are proud to share her legacy and elevate awareness of Missouri’s rich Deaf heritage.”
Searing broke barriers in an era when both women and individuals with disabilities faced significant societal limitations. As a correspondent for The St. Louis Republican, she reported from Washington, D.C., during the Civil War and penned poetry inspired by her experiences on the battlefield.
This program comes amid growing national recognition of Deaf culture and history, highlighted by award-winning films and television featuring Deaf performers. The event underscores Missouri’s own contributions to this important narrative.
An American Sign Language interpreter will be present, and all are welcome to attend.
For more information about the Missouri State Archives, visit www.sos.mo.gov/archives.
The event will also be live streamed on the Missouri State Archives Facebook page.
About the Missouri State Archives
The Missouri State Archives, a division of the Secretary of State’s Office, preserves and provides access to the state’s historic records. Through educational programming, exhibits, and community outreach, the Archives connects Missourians with their shared past.
