National Hansen's Disease Museum — Attraction in St. Gabriel

Updated review as of July 2024: They have done some renovations to this museum since I was last there a few years ago. Very lovely docent, a treasure trove of information. People diagnosed with leprosy were shunned and pushed here, away from friends and family to create their own community. Even after they were cured, most were allowed to stay, or even come back if they realized that they were shunned again when they went back to their community. There was a sense of pride here. Love. Family.

I love a unique museum that is off the beaten path. This is out in the middle of no where, south of Gonzales, LA, on a Louisiana Army National Guard base and until recently housed those with leprosy. This museum shows how these people lived. It is a sad disease that disfigures the affected population, and there is a wealth of information at this museum. It shows how they lived, the kind of rooms they lived in, stories of individuals affected and detailed the minutia of their lives. Just jam packed with information. Come and take a look around. A few bucks and hours of things to look at. The docents are very proud of...

What a hidden treasure if there ever was !!! Currently there is not a curator onsite to give a tour, however the displays are so very well done that I found it preferable to tour on my own anyway. However they do provide audio equipment to assist with your tour if that is your preference. There is a driving tour and you can see how beautiful the grounds are. The oak trees are magnificent! I recommend to watch the videos provided online prior to going. The museum is wheelchair accessible. There is not a wheelchair accessible family restroom but one of the single occupancy bathrooms was large enough for a wheelchair and 2 people. The museum is free to the public but well worth it to leave a donation. Check days & times...

Hansen’s Mueseum is a well hidden and small facility that does an amazing job of familiarizing people with the disease of tuberculosis in the United States during a time when Medical Science had very limited information and resources. This is an important part of the medical history of the United States in the 1900s. Touring the museum to see the excellent exhibit that the director has created was life changing. It shows how much harm can occur when people make decisions based on fear and lack of knowledge. No one was to blame for this it was just a time in America when we didn’t understand tuberculosis. We are planning to return to the Mueseum for more...