Dr. Gertrude A. Barber
$1,000,000 Challenge

For video about Dr. Barber click here
(produced courtesy of
WQLN Public Broadcasting).

As a leading member of a family committed to community service, it was inevitable that Dr. Gertrude A. Barber would dedicate her life to helping others in need. Gertrude Barber was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. She resided with her family on Newman Street, a short distance from what is now the Barber National Institute, while she attended Villa Maria Academy. Dr. Barber had a natural desire for learning; she was a successful scholar and built her career around education by passing on her message and practically applying that all individuals have a right to develop to their fullest potential.

Dr. Barber began her career as a teacher, and then worked as a home and school counselor, psychologist, coordinator of Special Education Programs, and finally as Assistant Superintendent of the Erie School District. This position presented many challenges when it became her job to tell parents of children with special needs that no services were available to educate their children in the community. Dr. Barber decided it was time to make a change. In 1952, with the help of a group of dedicated teachers and parents, she established the first classroom for children with developmental disabilities. This was the founding of the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, which today serves more than 3,600 children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Erie, Girard, Corry, Warren, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. In 2003, the Barber Center name was changed to what is now the Barber National Institute.

Dr. Barber received her B.S., M.A., and Ed.D. from Pennsylvania State University, an LL.D. from Gannon University and Ped.D. from Edinboro University.

In recognition of her work, Dr. Barber received many honors including the Distinguished Pennsylvanian Award, the Distinguished Alumna Award from Penn State University and Edinboro University, the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from the United Way, and the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the highest papal honor awarded to lay persons.

The Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation adheres to the guidelines established within the Donor Bill of Rights.

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation
100 Barber Place
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-878-4033 or 814-874-5640
Fax: 814-455-1132