Perkins Archives Blog

In the Hissing of the Witches and Other Ghostly Sounds
Primary Boys wearing Halloween masks which they themselves, 1925
October 16, 2018
Accounts of Halloween celebrations and activities in 1925.
Perkins celebrates Helen Keller Library milestone
Two people unveil a large painting of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan.
October 11, 2018
The library’s 125th anniversary highlights the deep connection between Perkins and history’s most famous deafblind person.
The Man Behind the Globe
Entrance hall with oval rotunda and large globe at the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind in South Boston.
September 10, 2018
Who designed and created the famous Perkins globe?
The Amazing Jennie Colby
Portrait Photograph of Miss Jennie M. Colby
August 6, 2018
A profile of Jennie Colby, student, volunteer, founding member of the Alumni Association, and pioneer in therapeutic gymnastics and massage treatment.
A Day with Helen Keller: Her Happiest Moments
Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan sitting on a low branch of a tree with Helen's dog, Phiz at their feet. Helen has her fingers on Annie's mouth. At the Wrentham house following Radcliffe College.
July 17, 2018
Joseph Edgar Chamberlin's great-great granddaughter writes about how Helen Keller spent her days at Red Farm, the Chamberlins' home.
From Summer Institute to National Expert
The covers of two books written by Polly Moor
June 8, 2018
Before she was known as the national expert on preschool education for children who are blind, Polly Moor worked with the Summer Institute at Perkins.
Forthcoming Helen Keller documentary illuminates a hidden history
Helen Keller stands at a podium with her hand on a woman's face before a crowd of thousands.
May 1, 2018
Filmmaker Laurie Block uses the deafblind icon's life to show how attitudes toward people with disabilities have evolved over the last century.
Analog Photograph Editing: Masking Before Photoshop
Group photograph exemplifying masking technique
May 1, 2018
Before the existence of digital photo editing tools, analog enhancements were made to prepare photographs for use in publications.
A Day with Helen Keller: Her Love of Reading
Young Helen Keller, reading
April 4, 2018
A guest blog post featuring J.E. Chamberlin's recollections of Helen Keller's love of reading, written by Chamberlin's great-great granddaughter.
Helen Keller, the president whisperer
Helen Keller sits and talks with JFK.
February 16, 2018
A look back at the deafblind icon’s relationships with seven U.S. presidents.

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