A Prison and a Haven: America's Only Leprosy Colony

A Prison and a Haven: America's Only Leprosy Colony

Constant Wonder

Leprosy Myths

Episode: Leprosy Myths

  • Mar 23, 2021 7:00 pm
  • 32:31 mins

The story of Carville, America's only leprosy colony, which held patients, often against their will, for over 100 years. It became both a prison and a haven, as well as a source of a cure. Pam Fessler relates her family's secret history with the colony. Guest: Pam Fessler, correspondent on NPR's National Desk and author of "Carville's Cure: Leprosy, Stigma, and the Fight for Justice"