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National Deaf Life Museum

Browse Exhibits (8 total)

A illustrated graphic of four Indigenous figures signing alongside wildlife—including wolves, an eagle, a hummingbird, and a bison—against a landscape background.We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here!

Led by community curators, the “We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here!” exhibition presents the multiplicity of Indigenous Deaf experiences through art, photography, videos, storytelling, and cultural belongings. 

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

What has changed at Gallaudet over the last 150 years—and what has remained the same? Through paired historical and contemporary images, Then and Now traces the evolution of campus life, traditions, and community, highlighting the connections that link generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff across time. 

Exhibition Run Dates: April 8, 2014-October 19, 2017

This online exhibition was generously funded by the Class of 1965. 

Andrew J. Foster: Missionary, Educator, and Advocate

This exhibition explores the life of Andrew Jackson Foster and how he broke barriers as the first Black Deaf graduate of Gallaudet University after the Jim Crow era. Despite facing racism and discrimination on campus, he went on to transform Deaf education across Africa, leaving a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and service.

Opened April 8, 2014-Closed ?

Left Behind: HIV/AIDS and the Deaf Community

The HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated the Deaf LGBTQ+ community, yet this history is often overlooked. Through the AIDS Quilt and community stories, this exhibition honors those lost, explores the impact of stigma and systemic neglect, and preserves an important chapter of Deaf history.

Exhibition Run Dates: November 30, 2022-December 1, 2023

Deaf HERstory

Discover the stories of Deaf women who challenged barriers, shaped their communities, and transformed history. Through advocacy, education, and leadership, their contributions continue to inspire future generations. 

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 the exhibition Deaf Difference + Space Survival.

Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader: 1862-1933

The Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader, 1862-1933 exhibition examines life as a Deaf American in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Olof Hanson reveals insight on the trials and tribulations of employment for deaf people, advocacy work in education, human rights, and the role of “Deaf Church” in preserving American Sign Language from extinction.

Exhibition Run Dates: October 22, 2009-October 1, 2011

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.