The photograph shows an 8-year-old Keller sitting outside in a light-colored dress, holding Sullivan's hand and cradling one of her beloved dolls.
Experts on Keller's life think it could be the earliest photo of the two women together and the only one showing Keller with a doll.
An archivist at the American Federation for the Blind says the photo is valuable because it shows many elements of Keller's childhood. She says it portrays the devotion between Keller and her teacher, Sullivan's push to teach Keller outdoors, and Keller's attachment to her dolls.
On the Net:
New England Historic Genealogical Society: http://www.newenglandancestors.org
Helen Keller: http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID1