Exploring the history of Down Syndrome?

 

 I learned something today about Down Syndrome.  There is a museum exploring the history of Down Syndrome in the UK.  How cool is that?  When (if) I visit the UK, this will definitely be on my list of must see places. 

Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability, in Teddington, to explore history of Down’s syndrome

Patient of Dr Langdon Down

Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability will be offering visitors a chance to explore the history of Down’s syndrome, including the first medical recognition of the condition and the research that took place.

The museum will host a conference focused on the history of its home Normansfield hospital, a facility established by 19th century physician John Haydon Langdon Down for the “care, education and treatment of those of good social position who presented any degree of mental deficiency”.

The hospital’s collections of archives and notes on personal experiences will be on show and there will be talks from museum archivist Ian Jones-Healey, writer Professor Conor Ward, Mencap President Lord Rix and a range of other specialists on the subject of the hospital.

Conference: Normansfield - Past Present and Future, Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability, Langdon Down Centre, Normansfield, Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS, Saturday, May 5, 9.30am to 5pm, tickets £20/£15 including lunch, booking via email at ian.jones-healey@downs-syndrome.org.uk or by calling 020 8614 5100.