Perkins History Museum

Laura Bridgman

Perkins student Laura Bridgman was the first person with deafblindness to learn to read and write.

Anne Sullivan

Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller dramatically changed the world's perception of individuals with disabilities.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller, who attended Perkins, is considered by many to be a leading figure of the 20th century.

First Kindergarten for the Blind

The Perkins Kindergarten, opened in 1887, drew pupils from all over the country.

Beginnings of Deafblind Education

Deafblind education has evolved from the days of Laura Bridgman to the 21st century.

Visit the Museum

Schedule a free guided tour through the Perkins Museum by filling out a tour request.

Hayes Research Library

The Hayes Research Library is a resource for researchers, the Perkins community, professionals, parents and the public.

Perkins Archives

The Perkins Archives include collections related to the history of Perkins and the education of the blind and deafblind.

Perkins History Stories

Smiling elderly woman seated in a chair with her arm resting on one of the arm rests. She is wearing a cardigan sweater. Unwavering Dedication

Mary Grace Knap Burtt was a Perkins student and teacher, but she also opened a school of her own in China for girls who were blind.

A woman with visual impairment explores the Touch this Page exhibition. Touch This Page! Making Sense of the Ways We Read

Almost three years ago the Perkins Archives was approached with an idea of using 3-D printing technology to create an exhibit.

Helen Keller and Polly Thomson engaged in conversation via tactile fingerspelling while seated in Adirondack chairs on the grass The Third Musketeer

Polly Thomson spent 46 years as Helen Keller's companion and interpreter but is relatively unknown. Who was she? And how did she get the job?