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

Young man sitting at a table typing on a brailler Barriers Being Broken

Learn about some possible topics for 2019-2020 National History Day projects focusing on this year's theme: Breaking Barriers.

A film still of Deafblind Circus. DeafBlind Circus, 1969

The Deafblind Circus, put on by students and staff in the Deaflbind Program at Perkins, was filmed and is now part of Perkins Film Collection.

woman sitting on a rock, holding a brimmed hat in her hands Keeping Up With The Raccoons

In her letters to Helen Keller during the summer of 1959, Nella Braddy Henney included updates about a particularly persistent raccoon family.