Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind facts for kids
| Established | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisville, Kentucky |
The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind opened in 1994 in Louisville, Kentucky. This museum shares the amazing story of how people who are blind have been educated around the world. It also shows how the American Printing House for the Blind has helped with this important history.
You can explore exhibits about special writing systems you can feel, like braille. You'll also see old writing tools, how braille books are made, and tools that help people who are blind get around safely. The museum is located on the second floor of the company's first factory building, which was built in 1883.
Explore the Exhibits
Unlike most museums, almost everything here is meant to be touched! A special "reader rail" goes through the whole museum. It has braille labels, audio guides, and pictures you can feel for each display.
You can see many cool things, such as:
- Original equipment used to record and play "Talking Books." These were audio books for people who couldn't read print.
- Different kinds of long canes and harnesses for dog guides. These help people who are blind travel safely.
- Old printing plates and machines used to make books.
- A large collection of historic braillewriters. These are like typewriters for braille.
- Many old books printed in different tactile (touch-based) writing systems.
Some special books on display include:
- An Essay on the Education of the Blind from 1786. This was one of the first books with raised letters for blind people.
- The Gospel According to St. Mark from 1834, printed with raised Roman letters.
- Pilgrim's Progress from 1860, printed in Lucas Type.
- Fables by John Gay from 1869, printed in Boston line letter.
- The huge 145-volume 1959 World Book Encyclopedia printed in braille.
- Even Helen Keller's own Bible!
Visitors can also try fun, hands-on activities. You can write your name in braille, play accessible computer games, and use special goggles that show you what different visual impairments might look like.
The museum is usually open for self-guided visits most days. You can also book guided tours of both the museum and the factory.
See also
