"[1] The museum creates exhibits, displays artifacts and artwork, and shares experiences and stories about the lives of deaf people in the United States, with special attention to the role of Gallaudet students and alumni.

[1] Museum Director Meredith Peruzzi describes the NDLM "as serving 'a dual role' for [its] visitors.

[...] For hearing visitors, it offers a chance to learn about our culture, examine their own expectations and experiences of Deaf people, and feel the vibrancy of our signing community.

[10] The museum's information about the Gallaudet community includes campus traditions such as the rat funeral carried out by freshmen and significant coverage of the 1988 Deaf President Now protests.

A selection of exhibits includes: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum received roughly 8,000 visitors per year.