Electa Matilda Ziegler
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Schuylerville, New York, U.S.
New York City
- magazine publisher
- philanthropist
Electa Matilda Ziegler | |
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| Born | April 13, 1841 Schuylerville, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 1, 1932 New York City |
| Occupation |
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| Notable works | Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind |
| Spouse |
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Electa Matilda Ziegler (née, Curtis; after first marriage, Gamble; after second marriage, Ziegler; April 13, 1841 – September 1, 1932) was an American philanthropist who founded the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind.
Electa Matilda Curtis was born in Schuylerville, New York, the daughter of Henry D. and Electa Abel Curtis.[1][2]
Career
After her second husband's death in 1905, Ziegler commanded a significant fortune.[3] She took an interest in the education of blind students because of her son, Charles, who was blinded in an accident as a child. In 1907, she established a monthly magazine known as the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, which was printed in braille and other raised-print (embossed) systems.[4] Edited by Walter G. Holmes,[5] the Ziegler offered 48 pages of fiction, scientific articles, current events, instruction in handiwork, and occasionally raised maps.[6] Through the generosity of Ziegler, it was furnished without charge, and by a special provision of the U. S. Congress, it was sent free to every blind person in the United States or Canada who could read braille.[7][6] Helen Keller said of Ziegler, "She must realize the happiness and encouragement which the magazine has brought during twenty-five years to the dwellers of darkland. Thousands upon thousands utter with affection her name."[2]
