History Mysteries: Rushton and Reform

Lesson at a glance

How did education for the visually impaired develop over time?

Welcome to History Mysteries!  

This free event on 1 December 2025, broadcast as part of Disability History Month, explored how education for blind and visually impaired children has changed over time. In a pre-recorded video, we chat with a specialist from The National Archives and visit the Museum of Liverpool. Watch it, then check out the livestreamed Q&A with records specialist Jessamy Carlson!

Time:Video 20 minutes, Q&A 15 minutes.

Suitability: Key Stage Three (Year 7-9) 


Tasks

Video – History Mysteries: Rushton and Reform

Watch this video about the history of education for the visually impaired! We look at a mystery document and some Education Acts at The National Archives, and learn about Edward Rushton’s life. We also take a trip to the Museum of Liverpool to look at some exciting objects from the Liverpool School for the Blind.

Video – History Mysteries: Anne Lister Q&A

Watch the Q&A with record specialist Jessamy Carlson answering questions about this topic submitted by schools:



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Lesson at a glance