Beginning June 19, 2025, the Bayou Teche Museum will showcase Leprosy the Separating Sickness exhibit which will continue through Aug. 30. Join the museum at an opening reception on Sat., June 28, at 10 am.
Based on content from Claire Manes and Anne Brett, curated by Archivist Theresa Herrera, and Director Ana Bellomy, the Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) exhibit shows the humanity of the people who were unnecessarily and unjustly isolated, and seeks to dispel misunderstandings about the disease and educate the public about the community created by Carville’s residents.
Leprosy, preferably called Hansen’s disease, is a misunderstood bacterial condition. The Carville Leprosarium, also known as the Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center, was the nation’s center for Hansen’s Disease research. Johnny Harmon was a photographer and a patient of the Carville Leprosarium, who captured images of the Carville residents.
The 19-panel exhibit features Harmon’s images of the Carville residents, including men, women, and children who were hospitalized for life at the United States Public Health Hospital, later called Gillis Long Hansen’s Disease Center.
About the Reception:
Reflections on Carville will be presented by Claire Manes, recalling her grandfather, Edmond Gilbert Landry and his four siblings, all patient residents at Carville. José Ramirez and his wife Magdalena will also share some of their memories of José’s seven-year residency in Carville. The exhibit, open to the public, will be at the Bayou Teche Museum from June 19 through Aug. 30.
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