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

Instructor and students in Vienna Alexander Mell and the Imperial Royal Institute for the Education of the Blind in Vienna

Alexander Mell and the Imperial Royal Institute for the Education of the Blind in Vienna's unique friendship and collaboration with Perkins.

Group portrait of campers and some of the staff, circa 1932. To the Lake!

Camp Allen, located on a small lake in New Hampshire, offered a summer full of activities and friends for girls who were blind or visually impaired.

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.