Samuel Gridley Howe (November 10, 1801 - January 9, 1876) was an American physician, educator, and social reformer. He was a pioneer in education for the blind and deaf-blind, co-founding the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston in 1829. His most famous achievement was successfully teaching Laura Bridgman, the first deaf-blind person to receive an education in the United States. Howe was also an abolitionist and supported the Greek War of Independence. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to helping disadvantaged groups, making significant contributions to special education and social reform in America.