Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established on December 22, 1980. Now more than thirty years old, the park is dedicated to preserving the memories and experiences of the past so that valuable lessons may be learned. The park's mission is to provide a well-maintained community ensuring the present patient residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives there. The park also supports the education of present and future generations concerning Hansen's disease or leprosy, a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for centuries.