Invited Essay: Archer M. Huntington's "Dream Team"

Area of Science:

• Museum Studies
• History of Science
• Deaf Studies

Background:

• The history of women's curatorial work in museums remains underexplored.
• The specific contributions of deaf women in this field are largely unknown.
• Archer M. Huntington founded the Hispanic Society Museum and Library (HSM&L).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the history of women's curatorial work at the HSM&L.
• To highlight the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of deaf women curators.
• To examine the role of deaf women in the consolidation of HSM&L collections.

Main Methods:

• Historical research into archival records at the HSM&L.
• Biographical analysis of key figures, including deaf women curators.
• Examination of the founding philosophy of Archer M. Huntington.

Main Results:

• Deaf women, including Eleanor Sherman Font and Margaret Sherman (descendants of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet), held significant curatorial roles at HSM&L.
• These women led overseas research expeditions, demonstrating their expertise and capabilities.
• Their work was instrumental in the successful consolidation and growth of the HSM&L collections.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals the crucial role of deaf women in the development of the HSM&L.
• Understanding their success offers insights into how deaf individuals can thrive in specialized professional environments.
• Recognizing these contributions is essential for a more comprehensive history of museum work and deaf history.