All Blog Posts
Early State Schools of New York
November 16, 2011
By Thomas Stearns, Contributor Our publications department at the Museum of disABILITY History is currently in the midst of several fascinating projects. One of which is a book that explores the history behind the first publicly funded institutions of New York State that provided care and education for people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. *During the era when these institutions were established (1851 – 1912), people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities were generically …
Comics Enter the Fight Against Polio
November 9, 2011
By David LoTempio, Contributor (All images researched and provided by Steven Bennett) Polio—scourge of children and microscopic hidden enemy of parents—was a frequent national health issue in America through the first 50 years of the twentieth century. The virus killed 2000 children in New York City alone during the 1916 epidemic and left thousands more paralyzed across the United States. Epidemics during the summer were an annual event. In response to the epidemics plaguing the country, Pres…
Did you know...
November 2, 2011
By Melissa Royer, Contributor In my quest for information regarding helping services of the past, I have learned many interesting facts relevant to disability history in New York that fuel my interest and pursuit of knowledge in long forgotten days. Did you know… …The first New York State School for people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities was opened in Albany, N.Y. at the former “Bulls Head Tavern.” The year was 1851 and it was known as the Idiot Asylum or the Asylum for Idiots. S…
A glimpse into the past...
September 29, 2011
By Doug Platt, Museum Curator Curator Doug Platt shows off our newest artifact at the Museum. One of our recent acquisitions to the Museum is this artificial wooden leg, generously donated to us by the Niagara County Historical Society. The prosthetic leg was found along the shores of Lake Ontario in Hartland in 1984 and dates back to the late 1800’s. The leg is now on display as part of the Museum’s “War and Disability” exhibit, as the prosthetic is identical to those used by soldiers who h…
Welcome!
September 7, 2011
Welcome to the Museum of disABILITY History blog! Here you will find posts, articles, and information relating to disability history, awareness, and education. You can find general information about the Museum on our About Us page. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback—so please share your thoughts!