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Holmes Medical Museum: A Journey into Early 20th Century Medicine

Explore early 20th-century medical history at the Holmes Medical Museum in Foley, Alabama. Step back in time and discover the evolution of healthcare.

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Step back in time at the Holmes Medical Museum, housed in Baldwin County's first hospital (1936-1958). Explore authentic medical equipment, patient rooms, and learn about healthcare in a bygone era. Located in downtown Foley, Alabama, it's a unique and educational experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Holmes Medical Museum

  • Monday 10 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is located on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. There is no elevator.
  • Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Foley, including nearby Heritage Park and the Foley Railroad Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Holmes Medical Museum is in downtown Foley, easily accessible on foot. If you're near Heritage Park or the Foley Railroad Museum, walk west on W Laurel Ave. The museum is at the corner of W Laurel Ave and S McKenzie St (Highway 59/98).

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of Highway 59 and W Laurel Ave in Foley. The museum is on the northwest corner of this intersection. There is free parking directly in front of the museum and a larger parking area on the opposite side of the building. Parking along Highway 59 can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are available in Foley. Request a ride to 111 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short ride from other locations within Foley. UberX average price is around $26 from Foley to Orange Beach.

  • Public Transport

    The Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS) offers public transport services across Baldwin County, including routes to Foley. BRATS On-Demand transportation costs $2 for the first five miles and $0.50 for every five miles beyond that. Travel time and price vary based on scheduling and demand.

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Discover more about Holmes Medical Museum

The Holmes Medical Museum, nestled in the heart of Foley, Alabama, offers a captivating glimpse into the history of early 20th-century medical practices. Housed in the original Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital, Baldwin County's first hospital, which served the community from 1936 to 1958, the museum is a preserved time capsule. Visitors can explore the original medical equipment, vintage surgical instruments, and authentic hospital rooms that have been meticulously maintained. The museum features extensive displays, including a recreated operating room with vintage surgical lights, an X-ray room showcasing early radiology technology, and a pharmacy displaying antique medicines and a human skeleton used for teaching. Patient rooms are furnished with antique beds and medical supplies, offering a poignant reminder of the experiences of those who sought treatment at the Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital. The Holmes Medical Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's an educational experience that brings history to life. Exhibits are thoughtfully curated to provide insight into the medical practices of the past, highlighting the challenges and innovations of early surgical procedures. Many items on display were donated by local residents, adding a personal touch and connecting visitors to the community's history. The hospital was established by Dr. W.C. “Buddy” Holmes and his wife, Philomene, who was also a nurse, in 1936. It was named for Dr. Sibley Holmes, the father of W.C. Holmes, who died in 1933. In 1958, the hospital closed after South Baldwin Hospital opened. The original facility sat largely untouched for decades before community members joined together to restore it as a museum.

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