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

Collections on shelving in the Perkins Archives The Role of Archives and Anti-Racism

The Black Lives Matter movement has been the impetus for education, reflection, and identification of steps the Perkins Archives can start taking.

Books written by Clarence Hawkes shelved on a wood shelf Patience, Perseverance, and Pluck

Clarence Hawkes graduated from Perkins and went on to become, according to Helen Keller, "one of the best known nature writers" in the country.

Portrait of Ken Stuckey in 1968 The Legacy of Ken Stuckey

The legacy of Perkins Research Librarian Ken, Stuckey.