Gesell Institute Marks Its 60th Anniversary with a Search for Those Influenced by the Work of its Namesake

An institute named for Yale psychologist and pediatrian Dr. Arnold Gesell (1880-1961), a pioneer in the field of child development, will mark its 60th anniversary.

The Gesell Institute of Human Development is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping parents and educators understand the ages and stages of childhood through professional development and parent workshops covering a broad range of topics.

In conjunction with its anniversary celebration in October, the institute has launched a national search for “Gesell alumni,” including those who participated in the research studies by Dr. Arnold Gesell; former clinicians, students or teachers in the Gesell Nursery School; and former medical fellows or employees.

The goal, says the institute’s executive director Dr. Marcy Guddemi, is to document “the influence Gesell theory and practice has had on their lives” in order to “authenticate the time-honored theory of Gesell, [and] to rekindle its relevance in regard to the challenges we face in early childhood education today.”

Gesell alumni are invited to share their recollections either by calling 800-369-7709, ext. 719, or registering online at www.gesellinstitute.org/alumni.html.

The creation of a “Gesell Alumni Hall” will kick off a celebration that includes the institute’s 60th anniversary banquet on Oct. 14 and a conference titled “LEAD — Learn, Educate, Advocate, Do!” on Oct. 15. The latter will focus on the important role of child development in education, learning, and long-term school success. The conference, which is being supported in part by Yale, will feature a keynote address by noted pediatrician and author Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. Some of Gesell’s original artifacts and writings — including some of his cinematographic data — will be on display during the conference.

For further details, to purchase banquet tickets or to register for the conference, visit www.gesellinstitute.org/events.