Helen Keller’s story: the “Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green

There are only a few days left to see it, if you’re near Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama before July 11….

Every summer at Ivy Green, the birthplace of the amazing author, speaker and writer Helen Keller, there is a professional outdoor production of The Miracle Worker, William Gibson’s drama about Keller’s early life and relationship with her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Ms. Sullivan (almost blind herself) had a “tough row to hoe” in the Keller household as she tried to teach a spoiled, deaf, blind, mute but brilliant Helen that language could be expressed by hand gestures, or sign language.

To see the two-hour play on the grounds of Helen’s own house is a special experience.

Like a knucklehead, I forgot to put up a post in time to also tell you about Tuscumbia’s annual Helen Keller Festival held in late June, but get it on your calendar for next year.

The state’s tourism Web site has more ideas for northern Alabama travel with kids.