Deaf Heritage Centre to transition to new leadership

The Deaf Heritage Centre in Manchester is to be developed into an accessible and modern museum under new leadership from the British Deaf Association in partnership with the British Deaf History Society.

The museum opened in 2006 in Manchester Deaf Centre and has been run by the society on a largely volunteer-led basis. It closed in 2020 due to Covid lockdowns, during which time some of its displays were damaged, but reopened for bookable tours in February 2022.

From this month, stewardship for the Deaf Heritage Centre will transition to be part of the British Deaf Association’s work advocating for Deaf culture, history, identity and British Sign Language (BSL) as a living heritage.

The association says it plans to develop the centre into “a vibrant, accessible and modern museum that connects past and present, inspires younger generations and promotes pride in Deaf identity and culture”.

As well as expanding digital access and its online exhibition, the museum will host community-curated exhibitions, work in partnership with the wider museum sector and establish a long-term safeguarding and conservation plan for its collection.

Robert Adam, the chair of the British Deaf Association, said: “This is an incredibly meaningful and emotional moment for the Deaf community. For nearly two decades, the British Deaf Heritage Centre has played a vital role in safeguarding our shared heritage, and we are humbled to continue this important work alongside them.

“Our commitment is to ensure that Deaf culture and history not only endure, but flourish – as a living, evolving story that informs, enriches and inspires generations to come.”

Curator Peter Jackson will continue to contribute his expertise as an honorary curator of the Deaf Heritage Centre.

Melinda Napier, the chair of the British Deaf History Society, said: “The Deaf Heritage Centre has been a labour of love for many within the society, especially Peter Jackson. I am pleased that the British Deaf Association will now lead the next phase of this journey.

“Together, we will ensure that the museum continues to grow and that our Deaf heritage remains safeguarded for future generations.”