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 Ken Stuckey in 1968 The Legacy of Ken Stuckey

The legacy of Perkins Research Librarian Ken, Stuckey.

Eliot is seated in an office in a reclined position with legs crossed. Desk covered by books, pictures, and statues. Dr. Samuel Eliot at Perkins

Samuel Eliot was a historian and educator who served on the Perkins Board of Trustees for 33 years and was well known in Boston and New England.

Portrait of Jessica Langworhy seated in a chair A Legacy of Teaching Students and Teaching Teachers

Dr. Jessica Linnell Langworthy's legacy as a teacher of students with blindness and of teachers is outlined in a 44-year career at Perkins.