09/03/2026
Tucked along the Mississippi River in Carville is one of Iberville Parish’s most significant historic landmarks: the National Hansen’s Disease Museum.
Once home to the only hospital in the continental United States dedicated solely to treating Hansen’s disease (leprosy), the facility cared for patients from the late 1800s until it closed in 1999.
Today, the museum preserves the stories of the people who lived and worked here, offering a powerful look at more than a century of stigma, resilience, medical innovation, advocacy and the fight for human dignity.
With renovated spaces and updated exhibits unveiled in 2024, the museum continues to bring these important—and often untold—stories to light, creating a deeper understanding of public health and human rights.
Discover this remarkable piece of Iberville Parish history and experience the stories that continue to resonate today.