National Hansen's Disease Museum

Experience the story of Carville, the only national leprosarium (leprosy hospital) in the United States. Since 1894, patients, doctors and staff (the Daughters of Charity) lived, worked and made medical history here as they battled leprosy-also known as Hansen's disease. Patients, many quarantined for life, left behind photographs, memorabilia and their stories.

The museum's mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the medical and cultural artifacts of the Carville Historic District and to promote the understanding, identification and treatment of Hansen's Disease (leprosy) by creating and maintaining museum displays, traveling exhibits, publications and a Web site in order to educate and inform the public.