One-tank trip: the Helen Keller home in Tuscumbia, Ala.

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One-tank trip: the Helen Keller home in Tuscumbia, Ala.

The Helen Keller Birthplace in Tuscumbia, Ala., is known for many things, but it’s most famous for the backyard water pump where 7-year-old Helen first learned the meaning of language from her teacher, Anne Sullivan. In 1887, Sullivan finger-spelled the word “water” on Helen’s hand as water flowed over her palm.

IVY GREEN in Tuscumbia, Ala., is the birthplace of deaf-blind advocate Helen Keller. It's a one-tank trip from Atlanta.

KELLER AND her teacher, Annie Sullivan (pictured in 1888 at Cape Cod), famously battled over lessons at the house, as depicted in the movie "The Miracle Worker."

THE PUMP where Keller experienced her sign-language epiphany draws visitors straight to the backyard of Ivy Green.

THE KELLERS' dining room at Ivy Green was the scene of a test of wills between student and teacher.

KELLER SHARED this bedroom with Annie Sullivan.

KELLER'S CLOTHES are on display at Ivy Green.

KELLER, SHOWN here in 1950, later graduated from Radcliffe College.

KELLER USES her fingers to "see" President Eisenhower in a 1953 visit to the White House.

IN 1963, Patty Duke (pictured with actor Ed Begley) won an Oscar for her portrayal of Keller in "The Miracle Worker."

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IVY GREEN in Tuscumbia, Ala., is the birthplace of deaf-blind advocate Helen Keller. It's a one-tank trip from Atlanta.

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