EXETER, RHODE ISLAND

The Dr. Joseph H. Ladd School

The Ladd School's history spans nearly a century of changing attitudes toward intellectual disability. What began in 1908 as a school for the feeble-minded evolved through decades of reform, controversy, and eventual deinstitutionalization before closing in 1994.

OUR MISSION

The Ladd School Historical Society

We document the Ladd Center's complex past through archives, photographs, and firsthand accounts. As independent researchers, we believe these stories—both difficult and inspiring—deserve honest preservation. Our work aims to deepen public understanding of disability history while honoring the thousands who lived within this state institution.

The Collections

VIEW ALL COLLECTIONS

Found, gathered, and carefully cataloged over a period of twenty years, this is the largest collection of Ladd School history and artifacts in the world.

Photographs, 35mm Slides

This collection of nearly 1,000 photographs provides a broad, candid, and intimate look at life behind and beyond the walls of the Ladd School.

EXAMINE

Glass Plate Negatives

Captured in film between 1920 and 1924, these are some of the earliest known photographs of the Ladd School in existence.

EXAMINE

Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded

The last known image and only painting of the original Exeter School for the Feeble-Minded

EXAMINE

Get More From The Ladd School Archives

Help preserve these important historical materials.

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The Ladd School Historical Society

Exeter, Rhode Island

Misfits for as Long as They Lived.

At last, the words of those who conspired against them betray the reasons why they were called Exeter Girls.

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More to Discover

Books | Non-Fiction

True stories from the Ladd School

Collections | Historical

Over 2,000 collected materials

The Ladd School Archives

Photos, videos, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ladd School still standing?

Two buildings remain. One building is being used by the state as a storage facility and the other is a substance abuse center.

Can I visit the Ladd School?

We don't own, manage, or govern the property in any way.

Can you help me find my long lost relative?

Probably not, but if you provide a name and dates we'll add them to our list.