National Hansen's Disease Museum

The National Hansen's Disease Museum sits on the grounds of a former hospital in Carville, Louisiana and displays medical equipment, photographs, and personal accounts of Hansen's disease treatment. The collection documents both the medical history and personal stories connected to this facility and its patients.

The grounds operated as a national facility for Hansen's disease patients from 1894 to 1999 and served as the only such place in the country for much of that time. When it closed, it ended a major chapter in American medical history.

The exhibits tell the stories of patients, doctors, and researchers who worked with Hansen's disease. Visitors learn about their daily lives and how their experiences shaped medical understanding.

A visit is easy to plan since the layout is straightforward and fully accessible for people with disabilities. Tours are available in English and French to help you explore the collection more thoroughly.

The facility preserves a specialized library with extensive records about Hansen's disease and public health efforts. Few visitors realize this collection exists, making it a hidden resource for those interested in the research behind the exhibits.