Kalaupapa National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the memories and experiences of the people forcibly sent here so that valuable lessons may be learned. The park was established in 1980. The park's mission is to provide a well-maintained community that ensures the present patient-residents of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives peacefully and comfortably. The park supports education concerning Hansen's disease (leprosy), a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for many centuries.