A leper colony, also known by many other names, is an isolated community for the quarantining and treatment of lepers, people suffering from leprosy.

People with Hansen’s disease, another name for leprosy, had to live away from their families and communities on Molokai. In 1866, the Hawaii legislature created the settlement after deciding …

The area achieved notoriety when the Kingdom of Hawai'i instituted a century-long policy of forced segregation of persons afflicted with Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy.

Sep 8, 2025 · Once a prison, now a refuge, Kalaupapa is their home. Kalaupapa is a spiritual place of great beauty and a reminder of tremendous suffering in what was referred to as the …

Leprosy is caused by a tiny rod-shaped microbe called Mycobacterium leprae. Scientists aren't exactly sure how it is transmitted, but they think it probably spreads when an infected person …

Aug 25, 2025 · While true “leper colonies” are largely a thing of the past, some former settlements continue to exist. These communities now function as voluntary care centers or residential …

Exploring the history of Molokai’s leper colony reveals resilience and community. The experiences of those who lived there still leave a lasting impact. Molokai’s northern coast provided natural …

Mar 31, 2020 · Kalaupapa was one of a small handful of leper colonies in the United States. Among them were tiny Penikese Island in Buzzard’s Bay, off the coast of Massachusetts, and …

Mar 9, 2025 · For over a century, this remote settlement served as a place of isolation for individuals diagnosed with Hansen's disease (leprosy), a condition that sparked fear and …

May 23, 2024 · Leper colonies were designed to keep lepers isolated inside so that they would not come into contact with the rest of society, although an imperfect understanding of leprosy led …