Browse Exhibits (8 total)
History Through Deaf Eyes
The History Through Deaf Eyes exhibition was created by Gallaudet University prior to the establishment of the National Deaf Life Museum. We are pleased to present a permanent online archive of the exhibition itself, as well as the website that accompanied it.
Then and Now
Although nostalgia can be bittersweet, psychologists have found that it improves our mood and connects us with others. We look to the past as a means of finding ourselves in history, seeking reassurance that future generations will look back at us, prolonging our legacy.
Our Then and Now exhibition compares Gallaudet’s past and present over its 150-year history. What historical moments look familiar to you? Would the people in the older photographs recognize elements from today’s images?
Deaf Difference + Space Survival
This exhibition was created in partnership with the Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center, and ran from 2017 to 2022 in the Weyerhaeuser Gallery.
Andrew J. Foster: Missionary, Educator, and Advocate
Andrew Jackson Foster was the first Black Deaf student to graduate from Gallaudet University after the Jim Crow era. Although he was allowed to enroll, the campus atmosphere was no less racist than the world outside it, and Foster’s experiences with bullying spurred him to graduate in only three years. Undeterred, he pursued his life’s mission, opening schools for Deaf children in countries throughout Africa. Gallaudet University is proud of Foster’s legacy. Still, we must honor the hardships he faced on campus to truly understand and appreciate his great success.
The Andrew J. Foster: Missionary, Educator, and Advocate exhibition was unveiled on April 8, 2014, along with Gallaudet at 150 and Beyond and Then and Now exhibitions as part of Gallaudet University’s sesquicentennial celebration.
Left Behind: HIV/AIDS and the Deaf Community
AIDS may no longer be considered a national crisis, but for many years it had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community, deaf and hearing alike. Today, many people don't realize that during its peak years, AIDS destroyed an entire generation. Even as shows like Pose depict the traumatic experience of the hearing community, the deaf community's suffering - due to lack of access to information, accommodations, and stigma - continues to be overlooked. Little research has been done on the deaf community and HIV/AIDS, forcing deaf activists to figure out prevention, treatment, and care on their own.
This exhibition gives visitors a better understanding of the magnitude of the crisis through the AIDS quilt, and explores the impact it had on the deaf community, especially our deaf LGBTQ+ community members who died as result of the US government's neglect.
Please be aware this exhibition contains content that may be upsetting to some visitors.
Deaf HERstory
The Deaf HERstory exhibition by the National Deaf Life Museum was located at the Museum Annex – Weyerhaeuser Family Gallery area at the lower level at the Student Academic Center from the summer of 2015 until March 3, 2017. The exhibition was replaced by Deaf Difference + Space Survival.
You can see the installation process in the Weyerhaeuser Gallery on our website.
Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader: 1862-1933
The Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader, 1862-1933 exhibition was featured at the Weyerhaeuser Family Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall in the I. King Jordan Student Academic Center at Gallaudet University in the fall of 2009 and replaced during the summer of 2011 with the exhibition, Making a Difference: Deaf Peace Corps Volunteers. It is now possible to virtually experience the Olof Hanson exhibition.
To enhance your virtual museum experience, you are welcome to download the PDF format of the Olof Hanson exhibition guide.
Please note that the images are copyrighted; contact museum@gallaudet.edu for permission for use or questions.
Regina Olson Hughes: An American Illustrator
Regina Olson Hughes was one of the most prolific scientific illustrators of the twentieth century. She graduated from Gallaudet in 1918 and spent 40 years working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture before "retiring" and volunteering for the Smithsonian Institution for another 20 years.
This exhibition presents her life and artwork alongside the actual plants and flowers seen on campus in Fall 2022.