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

portrait of “Willie” Elizabeth Robin, circa 1895 "Willie" Elizabeth Robin: A Newsworthy Christmas

An 1885 newspaper article about how “Willie” Elizabeth Robin, celebrated Christmas in 1885 helped educate the public about deafblindness.

Perkins tower in the background with pear trees and horse drawn carriages in the foreground. "A place of attraction to all..."

Perkins director Edward E. Allen was a firm believer in the benefits of "simple beauty" for schools for the blind and made sure that the new campus in Watertown fulfilled this belief.

Primary Boys wearing Halloween masks which they themselves, 1925 In the Hissing of the Witches and Other Ghostly Sounds

Accounts of Halloween celebrations and activities in 1925.