Charities are not discarded—they are preserved. We safeguard the instruments, photographs, and personal mementos from one of the South's most storied hospitals, so that New Orleans' medical heritage endures for generations.
From vintage surgical instruments to patient photographs and handwritten logs, each piece represents a chapter in the living history of Charity Hospital.
Rare vintage tools from the operating rooms, preserved in their original condition.
Handwritten logs, patient records, and administrative documents spanning decades of care.
Black-and-white photographs capturing the hospital's grandeur and the lives it touched.
Opened in 1939 as the public hospital for Orleans Parish, Charity Hospital stood as a beacon of hope for thousands of uninsured and underserved residents across the Gulf South. For nearly nine decades, its halls echoed with the footsteps of dedicated physicians, nurses, and support staff who treated every patient with dignity—regardless of their ability to pay.
The hospital's Art Deco main building, perched along the Mississippi River, became an architectural landmark in its own right. Its grand corridors, morning rounds through sunlit wards, and the tireless night shifts created a culture of care that defined New Orleans' healthcare identity.
When Charity Hospital closed its doors in 2004, a piece of the city's soul went with it. Our memorabilia collection ensures that what was nearly lost to demolition and neglect is instead preserved—so that the stories of those who healed here, and those who were healed, are never forgotten.
Every instrument, every photograph, every handwritten note in our collection carries the weight of lived experience. We don't merely store history—we steward it.
We employ archival-grade conservation methods to protect fragile documents, metal instruments, and photographic materials from deterioration—ensuring they survive for future generations.
Our collection belongs to the people of New Orleans. We welcome former patients, staff, and historians to contribute stories, connect with artifacts, and keep the memory of Charity alive.
We partner with local schools, universities, and medical programs to provide primary-source materials that bring New Orleans' medical history into the classroom and beyond.
Our collection is housed in a climate-controlled facility near the former Charity Hospital campus. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome during business hours.
1532 Tulane Ave
New Orleans, LA 70112-2860
(150) 490-32856
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: By appointment only
Located steps from the former Charity Hospital campus, near the Mississippi River
Whether you have a cherished memory, a family artifact to donate, or simply wish to support the preservation of New Orleans' medical heritage—your involvement matters.
Have questions about our collection? Want to schedule a visit or discuss a donation? Send us a message and we'll respond within one business day.
Thank you for reaching out. We'll get back to you within one business day.
