As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since its founding, a Philadelphia museum is finding new ways to bring history within reach — literally — for visitors who are blind or have low vision.
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia has introduced guided tactile tours that allow visitors to experience history through touch. The tours take place in a gallery called Signers’ Hall, where museum educators lead participants through the space, guiding their hands over statues and exhibits.
Federal law requires most museums and public buildings to be physically accessible to people with disabilities. However, access to the actual contents inside those buildings — the exhibits, artifacts, and displays — often remains limited for those with visual impairments.
The tactile tours aim to bridge that gap, offering a more inclusive experience for visitors who may not be able to see the exhibits in the traditional way. Museum educator Sydney Wharton has been leading visitors through the gallery, helping them connect with history in a hands-on way.
During one such tour, Wharton guided visitor Tim Kelly Jr., tracing his hands over a statue of Benjamin Franklin, while his father, Tim Kelly Sr., accompanied them through the experience.
