The Mortimer Rare Book Room has just acquired a remarkable two-page letter of condolence typed and signed by Helen Keller to Mrs. William Allan Neilson. Written just after Neilson's death in 1946, the letter recalls memories of the young Neilson, her teacher at Radcliffe (he was teaching at Harvard when Keller was a student). Keller describes her mentor in strong poetic language: "Dr. Neilson's rich powers of mind and heart, His delicate touch in disclosing the masterpieces of the English language and the cultivated yet direct grace of his vocabulary are memories precious to me beyond expression."

The acquisition honors the memory of one of the important figures in Smith College history and is particularly poignant this year as Neilson Library celebrates its centennial year. The letter will be on view in the Mortimer Rare Book Room through the year.

Please visit the Libraries' Centennial Events page.