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Hastings Museum brings in latest tactile exhibit, which opens March 25
The Hastings Museum is opening the next exhibit in the series underwritten by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and produced by Tactile Images.
“Tet and the Battle of Hue” opens on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
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. All exhibits are produced and presented in a way that allows blind and visually impaired visitors the freedom to fully enjoy the exhibits.
"Tet and the Battle of Hue" will run through May 23, 205 and features:
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.
This is the third and final in the series followed by "Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist and Engineer" and "Experience the Cosmos: James Webb Space Telescope."
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 this exhibit is a must for war and history buffs.
“Not only will images from the battle be on display, but survivors of the battle share their experiences in their own words,” he said. “It is truly impactful.”
John Olson, co-founder of 3D Photo Works teamed up with Tactile Images to increase engagement, accessibility, and inclusion for those are blind and visually impaired.
Olson is a former staff photographer for LIFE Magazine and was a combat photographer during the Vietnam War. On Monday, March 24, 2025 he will be in Hastings installing the latest exhibit which features his photographs from the Battle of Hue.
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.
Published Date: 03/23/2025