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Holmes Medical Museum: A Glimpse into Medical History

Explore early 20th-century medical history at Baldwin County's first hospital. Discover vintage equipment and patient rooms in Foley, Alabama.

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Step back in time at the Holmes Medical Museum, housed in Baldwin County's first hospital. Explore early 20th-century medical equipment and practices in a preserved setting, offering a unique glimpse into the history of healthcare in Foley, Alabama.

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 in downtown Foley, making it easy to combine your visit with a stroll through nearby shops and restaurants.
  • Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the museum.
  • Check out the original entrance to the hospital, located just down from the current museum entrance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Holmes Medical Museum is located in downtown Foley, easily accessible on foot from most points in the immediate area. From Heritage Park, walk one block west on Laurel Avenue. The museum will be on your right. Admission is free.

  • Driving

    The Holmes Medical Museum is located at 111 W Laurel Ave in downtown Foley. From Highway 59, turn west onto Laurel Avenue. The museum will be on your right. Parking is available directly in front of the museum and in a larger parking area across the street. Parking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Foley. A ride from a central location in Foley to the museum will typically cost around $15-$20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your trip.

Unlock the Best of Holmes Medical Museum

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Discover more about Holmes Medical Museum

The Holmes Medical Museum, located in the heart of downtown Foley, Alabama, offers a fascinating journey into the past, showcasing the evolution of medical practices in the early 20th century. Housed in the original Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital, Baldwin County's first hospital which operated from 1936 to 1958, the museum provides an authentic and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the original medical artifacts, including surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and a human skeleton, offering a tangible connection to the past. The museum features extensive displays of medical equipment and patient rooms as they would have appeared in the 1930s and 1940s. Wander through the recreated operating room, complete with vintage surgical lights and period-specific tools, and gain a sense of the challenges and innovations of early surgical procedures. Examine the pharmacy, where doctors compounded medicines for their patients, and the x-ray room, showcasing the technology of the time. Visit the patient rooms, furnished with antique beds and medical supplies, and imagine the experiences of those who sought treatment at the Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital. The museum also includes a nursery, offering a poignant reminder of the many lives that began within its walls. A waiting room, complete with vintage ashtrays, provides a glimpse into the social norms of the era. One of the museum's unique features is its collection of "quackery" medical devices, which offers a fascinating and sometimes unsettling look at the history of medical treatments. Many of the items on display were donated by local residents, adding a personal touch to the museum and connecting visitors to the community's history. The museum is a perfect destination for history buffs, medical enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique and educational experience.

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