Boston, Massachusetts, March 5, 2008—An eight-year-old Helen Keller holds Anne Sullivan's hand—and a doll—in a rare 1888 photograph released March 5 by the Boston-based New England Historic Genealogical Society.

Taken during a vacation on Cape Cod, the photo is believed to be the earliest of the deaf and blind girl with Sullivan. The teacher changed Keller's life by tracing out words in her hand—the first word being "doll."

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"