‘It is good to look back to your roots, if only to see how far you have come’
A major new exhibition charting more than 170 years of support, resilience, and community for deaf people in Hull and East Yorkshire is opening at the Streetlife Museum this Friday.
Running from October 30 until January 24, the showcase marks a significant milestone – the centenary of the purpose-built permanent home of the Hull & East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf. While celebrating a century in its dedicated building, the organisation’s deep-rooted connection to the local region reaches back even further, to 1853.
Through a dedicated documentary, historical artefacts, and informative displays, the exhibition chronicles the centre’s evolution into a vital sanctuary and advocacy hub. Over the decades, the charity has worked to champion accessibility, raise awareness of deaf issues, and provide critical daily support, advice, and social connection.
Sarah Regan, residential manager at the Hull Deaf Centre, highlighted that the exhibition provides an invaluable chance to reflect on the charity’s enduring legacy.
She said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to show the documentary we have made commemorating the Hull Deaf Centre’s centenary, to tell the story of our charity from when it started back in 1853, our journey through the city, to our purpose-built forever home 100 years ago, and today.
“The community and the charity have certainly changed over the years, but our mission has stayed true – and that resonates with the deaf community that use the Hull Deaf Centre today. We are incredibly proud of who we are and what we do, and we are grateful for this opportunity to share that with the wider community. It is good to look back to your roots, if only to see how far you have come.”
Alongside the main display, the Streetlife Museum will host a series of complementary public events throughout the run. These will include live performances, talks, and hands-on workshops designed to explore the experiences and culture of the local deaf community.
Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council, praised the centre’s profound and long-standing impact across the area.
“This exhibition tells the story of a remarkable organisation that has been at the heart of Hull’s deaf community for generations,” Cllr Dad said. “Through personal stories, historic artefacts, and community voices, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the centre’s journey and the vital role it continues to play today. We’re delighted to share this celebration with our visitors.”
Admission to the exhibition is free of charge, with access available during normal museum opening hours. Further details and visitor planning information are available at www.StreetlifeMuseum.co.uk
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