The 1799 Lazaretto Interpretive Museum brings the site's stories to life, shares them with the public, and preserves them for future generations.
The Lazaretto quarantine station served as the gateway to Philadelphia in a crucial period of the nation’s growth (1801-1895).
During the warm weather months, when traffic was heaviest and imported epidemics threatened, all arriving ships, passengers, and cargo were inspected there, and quarantined if necessary. Vessels and cargo were disinfected, and sick passengers and crew members were treated in the Lazaretto hospital.
The name “Lazaretto” derives from St. Lazarus, patron saint of lepers. Maritime quarantine stations known as lazarettos were established in European port cities beginning in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
To restore and preserve the 1799 Lazaretto for future generations.
