In Touch: Printing & Writing for the Blind in the 19th Century

Presented are mechanical devices and methods representing the history of printing and writing for the blind from 1780 through the 19th century. Most of the artifacts lent were by the Perkins Institute for the Blind, Watertown, Massachusetts; the remainder are from Smithsonian collection.

Unique aspects of this exhibition are exhibit labels in Braille, and resin facsimilies of the objects, which can be touched. Two cases can be opened for visitors who are blind by appointment through the MAH Office of Education.