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

Robert Chaney, dressed in a suit, stands in a yard with a monkey on his shoulder. Helen Keller's jealous pet monkey and other finds in Perkins' newest archive collection

The new set of handwritten notes, photographs and more shines an informal light on the life of Perkins School for the Blind’s most famous alum.

Black and white photo of a woman holding a young girl's hand over the side of her mouth so that she can feel the movement as she speaks Presenting Perkins

Filmmaker Robert M. Campbell's award-winning films shared the stories of Perkins students, staff, and alumni as part of a 1960s public education effort.

Six black binders lined up on a shelf, each labeled with a white piece of paper Building a Fallout Shelter

When Perkins built a Fallout Shelter on campus in 1961, planning involved more than just the structure itself.