British Deaf History Society

Today we at the British Deaf History Society remember and honour the men and women who served, supported, and sacrificed during times of war. Their bravery speaks louder than words.

Lest We Forget.

This Halloween, we’re reflecting on how to confront the “ghosts” of our past — and to celebrate how far Deaf culture has come.
In Deaf history, few names linger like Alexander Graham Bell’s. While he’s remembered for inventing the telephone, he also campaigned against the use of sign language and supported oralism. He influenced Deaf education for generations, silencing the use of sign language in classrooms across Britain and beyond.

We celebrate the resilience of the Deaf community who proved him wrong and turned a haunting legacy into a proud, living language.

🖼️ Portrait image of AGB on the cover sourced from the National Galleries of Scotland.
🖼️Background images of Margate School sourced from our own archive.

Yesterday, two of our volunteers hosted a Deaf History quiz for the Deaf Social Club! We got lots of positive feedback and they were keen for us to return and do another quiz!

If you are interested in arranging something like this, do get in touch!

On Monday 16th June, we were delighted to welcome and provide him with a tour of our museum and unique collection of deaf artefacts and archives.
It was a pleasure to meet him and have him sign our visitors book and we hope he visits again soon

On Saturday 7th June, we held a Spring Workshop at Warrington Deaf Centre! It was a successful day with a great turnout and interesting discussions around the future of our museum and Deaf heritage.
Speakers involved the CEO and Chair of the BDA, and a member of staff from Warrington Deaf Centre, Greg, who spoke about the local Deaf history.
The day ended with a fun Deaf history trivia quiz created by two of our volunteers!
Thank you to everyone who attended!

BDHS Spring Workshop!

📆 Saturday 7th June.
🕐 Doors open at 10am.
📍 Warrington Deaf Centre, 11-13 Wilson Patten Street, Warrington, WA11PG.
💷 Admission Price - BDHS/ Warrington members £2, Non-Members £5.

Hope to see you there! 🥰

Happy Deaf Awareness Week! Come join us at the museum tomorrow for tours of the collection and to learn all about Deaf history.
🗓️ Tuesday 6th May 2025
🕐 10am till 3pm
📍 British Deaf History Society, Manchester Deaf Centre, Manchester, M13 9GH

Object of the week: Photo of a ‘Group of Deaf People on a Day Out, Southampton 1896’.
Chosen by one of the BDHS volunteers - “I chose this historical photo as Object of the Week because as a deaf person, it makes me feel amazed that there were lots of deaf people in the past that had an impactful contribution towards history. It makes me very proud as a deaf person. In this photo they seem to be having fun and relaxing on a lovely day. Even in victorian times, it was difficult to face the many barriers compared to present day. They were treated as ‘deaf and dumb’ while nowadays they are simply referred to as deaf people. In the 1830’s many deaf social clubs and events for the deaf community were introduced. Also, in 1870’s, they introduced a translated system for deaf people in lectures, parties, religious services and more.”

Join us in celebrating Deaf Awareness Week at the museum on the 7th May 2025. Come along for tours of the collection and learn about the unique history of deaf culture.
🗓️ 7th May 2025
🕐 10am - 3pm
📍BDHS, Manchester Deaf Centre, M139GH

📆 Saturday 26th April
📍City Lit, 1-10 Keeley Street, London, WC2B 4BA
🕙 10am - 4pm
🚪 Room 216