‘FIGHTING IN THE DARK’: CHARLES FREDERICK FRASER AND THE HALIFAX ASYLUM FOR THE BLIND, 1850 - 1915

Abstract

The Halifax Asylum for the Blind, the first residential school for blind children in Canada, opened its doors in 1872 as a charitable institution with educational goals. This work explores the foundation of the Asylum in light of Halifax’s religious, economic, and educational history in the mid-nineteenth century. It highlights the influence of local personalities and the fight for financial stability that led to a changed understanding of educating blind children and adults from that of charitable need to philanthropic right.