Tactile Images, Courtesy
HASTINGS — Beginning Sept. 24, Hastings Museum is bringing in a series of three exhibits underwritten by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and produced by Tactile Images.
These exhibits encourage tactile exploration of visual and graphic materials. They include braille text and audio narratives.
The hands-on nature of the exhibits is also great for kids and people who learn best through touch. Each exhibit has a different theme, but all three are produced and presented in a way that allows blind and visually impaired visitors the freedom to fully enjoy the exhibits:
Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist and Engineer: Sept. 24 to Dec. 19
Learn about the legendary Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering drawings and innovations. This exhibit closely examines his critical eye, inventive nature, and multidisciplinary expertise through various designs, from construction devices and war machines to flying apparatuses.
Experience the Cosmos: James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): Dec. 21 to March 20
Prepare for an incredible journey into space exploration’s future. Experience and explore JWST’s groundbreaking mission to use advanced technology to unveil distant galaxies, the birth of stars as nebulas, and exoplanet atmospheres. JWST is shaping our cosmic understanding.
This exhibit was produced in collaboration with the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Tet and the Battle of Hue: March 24 to May 23
A little over 50 years ago, the North Vietnamese army launched what is now known as the Tet Offensive, consisting of more than 100 surprise attacks across South Vietnam. This exhibit features historic combat photographs of the U.S. Marines who fought in the Battle of Hue, a pivotal battle during this period of the Vietnam War. Through powerful imagery and multisensory tools, visitors can experience the personal stories of how the conflict affected and shaped the lives of these American soldiers.
Hastings Museum is one of five Nebraska institutions to play host to the tactile exhibits.
Curtis Gosser, Curator of Exhibits for the Hastings Museum, said museum visitors generally experience exhibits in two ways.
“Our patrons are expected to look at our artifacts or specimens, and then read labels to learn more,” he said. “Neither of these things are really options for visitors who are blind.”
Gosser said touching these unique 3D images is a creative, new way to solve that problem.
Through tactile printing, a patented innovative process by Tactile Images (tactileimages.com) of Chatham, New York, individuals experience three-dimensional tactile prints using touch and sound, fostering independent acquisition of visual information. Customized audio narrative components further enhance the experience. Partnering with Getty Images and the National Federation of the Blind underscores Tactile Images’ global mission to deliver tactile images to diverse institutions worldwide.
The partnership with NCBVI highlights a joint commitment to accessibility, empowerment and education. By bringing traveling tactile exhibitions to institutions throughout Nebraska, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with diverse abilities. Through collaboration with various organizations, Tactile Images and NCBVI strive to make knowledge and experiences accessible to a broader audience, promoting continuous learning and community enrichment.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provided by NCBVI, offering valuable resources and support to individuals with visual impairments, preparing them for future employment opportunities. By engaging in tactile exhibitions and accessing educational materials in accessible formats, participants develop critical skills, build confidence and explore potential career paths.
More information about the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired can be found at ncbvi.nebraska.gov.
