WILLIAM J. MARRA MUSEUM
WILLIAM J. MARRA
Welcome to the William J. Marra Museum of Deaf History at the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture. William J. Marra dedicated his life to the collection and preservation of information and relics related to *Deaf people. Marra was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated from both the Kansas State School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University. He was a teacher at the Kansas School for the Deaf for 38 years, retiring in 1976.
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The first William J. Marra Museum at the Kansas School for the Deaf was dedicated on September 20, 1986, and has been a source of pride for the Deaf community. The Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture® (first named as Kansas Educational Foundation for the Deaf) was pleased to dedicate the new William J. Marra Museum of Deaf History at the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture® (formerly named Deaf Cultural Center after the KEF name).
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William J. Marra is the recipient of the Kansas School for the Deaf Alumni Association's Alumni Dedication Award, the Gallaudet Universtiy Alumni Association's prestigious Laurent Clerc Award and the Kansas Association of the Deaf's Award for Meritorious Service.
About the William J. Marra Museum
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Many visitors have experienced the museum, which offers the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of being Deaf in America. We are a non-profit 501c3 foundation and offer group tours and special events by appointment. There is no admission fee, though donations are greatly appreciated.
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The Museum currently offers Tours, Exhibits, and Featured Exhibits for public viewing. What's amazing is that only about 40% of the Museum's vast collections are currently on display, while 60% is being catalogued and archived in storage.
However, the Museum is at the cusp of another exciting phase of re-design and expansion in the coming years ahead with goals to showcase more of the collections through its revolving exhibits! Please consider becoming an annual supporter as a Friend of MDHAC or a Volunteer to help make history with the expansion of programs to preserving the language, art, culture, history and contributions of diverse Deaf people. You can leave a lasting legacy for future generations to learn about and be inspired!