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

1885 Kindergarten classroom scene. Anne Emilie Poulsson the “Finger Play Lady”

Anne Emilie Poulsson is remembered as a well-known American children’s author who championed early childhood education and the kindergarten movement.

Studio portrait of Helen Keller with Mr. Arthur Gilman. Keller is seated and Gilman stands. He is fingerspelling into her hand Helen Keller's College Entrance Exams

Recent social media rumors aren't the first time that Helen Keller's accomplishments were doubted.

Maps Project staff WPA Projects at the Howe Press

From 1935-1938 the Howe Press ran two Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects during the Great Depression.