Our mission is to stimulate appreciation of the unique history of Deaf citizens of Indiana; to conduct historical research, preservation, and education; and to provide the public with significant Deaf Heritage experiences.

The Museum connects to the community by researching and developing museum exhibits, as well as bringing Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) history to Deaf Community events. We manage an extensive collection of documents, photos, publications and artifacts that date back to the 1840s. The Museum also partners with IUPUI Museum Studies students and professors on projects that will help us develop skills that align with national museum standards. We communicate and cooperate with the Indiana Historical Society. In 2014, we presented at the American Association for State and Local History annual conference and in 2017, we participated in a Deaf History panel discussion at the National Conference for Public History annual meeting in Indianapolis. We will also continue to test new educational programs designed to be used by middle school and high school history/social studies teachers in their classrooms.

Please contact the Museum Director, Kris Johnson at kjohnson@isd.k12in.us to schedule an appointment to visit the museum or use the archive.

Hooserian (1923)

The Hoosier (1935-1996)

Orange and Black (1921-1938)

Yearbooks (1938-1982)

Rich in heritage and always striving to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, The Indiana School for the Deaf has developed into one of the leading deaf schools in the nation. Its success is captured in the publications that have been digitized through funding by the Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund. 204 volumes with 18,000 pages of publications include school newsletters, senior numbers, and yearbooks.

This collection has the potential to impact students from universities and schools, parents and individuals searching for their genealogical heritage, researchers, and educators seeking information for professional papers.

Over the years, the paper collection has gained increased interest from people in Indiana and from other states sending e-mail requests for genealogical information and personal research. Several researchers have visited the school to meet their research needs. By providing online access, researchers can gather information without coming to the school. ISD will curate the collection via e-mail.

Digital Archive