Holmes Medical Museum in Foley, Alabama, tells the story of Baldwin County's first hospital from 1936 to 1958. Step back in time and learn about early 20th-century medical equipment and life 75 years ago.
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Holmes Medical Museum - Foley
Prior to visiting the Holmes Medical Museum, I had seen a few people talk about how cool it was. I was honestly a bit skeptical and thought it might be kind of creepy.
I don't know why, but I pictured something way different from what the museum is actually like. Stepping into the museum offers visitors the opportunity to travel back to the 1st hospital in Baldwin County.
The museum has extensive displays of historic medical equipment and wheelchairs along with patient rooms as they would have looked in the 1930s and 40s.
The entrance that is used today is not the original entrance that was used at the Holmes Hospital. The original entrance is just down from the museum. You can see the historic door from the sidewalk.
The historic medical museum starts on the ground level with display cases of medical tools that were actually used.
I learned that 100 babies were delivered by Dr. Holmes outside of the hospital. My friend Eva told me her mom was born at the Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital.
The hospital has reopened after taking care of repairs from Hurricane Sally. This museum is perfect for anyone interested in studying the medical field or already part of the medical profession.
If you are traveling with kids, be prepared. The original medical artifacts/devices are out in the open. There are signs asking visitors to not touch the equipment.
The first floor area of the museum used to be the Kennedy's Market. You can see a recreated area of how the market would have looked with many items from the original grocery store.
Once you climb up the stairs, you will be amazed at how much there is to see on the 2nd floor.
The surgical wing is eye-opening and also woah at the same time. Dr. Sibley was a certified surgeon. If a patient needed major surgery, they were referred to Mobile whenever possible.
It was interesting to learn that appendectomies, tonsillectomies, and other surgeries were held at the hospital. Surgeons from Mobile would come to the hospital on a regular basis to perform surgeries.
Surgery Room
This surgical room has the original surgery table, EKG Machine, anesthesia apparatus, and surgical instruments from the former hospital.
It is amazing to see what operating room equipment is still used today.
Pharmacy
I found the pharmacy fascinating. Originally this room was the women's ward with three to four beds. Today it displays pharmacy related items and a human skeleton that was used for teaching. I spent the most time in the pharmacist room. The displays are fascinating.
Room 4 - Nursery
This room is set up to represent a typical nursery with a crib, incubator, and other baby related items.
Ear, Eye, and Dentistry Equipment
This room is filled with ear, eye, and dental equipment that would have been used. It is fascinating to see how little has change in some of the tools used in early twentieth century healthcare.
Waiting Room
The hospital was open to everyone but did have a segregated waiting room. You will see signs designating the different waiting rooms.
You will also be able to visit the sterilization room, see xray equipment, the men's ward, maternity room, women's wards, Doctors offices, learn more about medical practice professionals, and see original medical artifacts.
This medical museum is a fascinating and really shows how much has changed and also how much hasn't. I want to reiterate again if you are traveling with kids please make sure you talk about the medical instruments and not touching them before heading into the museum.
The medical devices are out in the open so visitors can learn from them and see what Baldwin County's first hospital was truly like.
Why you will love visiting the Holmes Medical Museum
- Free unique Museum
- Antique Medical Equipment Displays
- X-ray room and pharmacy rooms, old operating room, exam tables, and more
Things to know when planning a visit to Holmes Medical Museum
Enjoy free admission. You can leave a donation for the hospital museum.
Address -111 West Laurel Avenue, Foley Al
On the corner of Highway 59 and 98. Located on the second floor of the brick building is the museum. You enter from the ground floor into the visitor center area. I was amazed at the size of the interior of the museum.
Phone - 251-970-1818
Hours - Open Monday -Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The 1st floor of the museum is accessible. The main second floor is only reached via 15+ wooden stairs.
There is no elevator in the building.
Plus Size Seating - There are comfortable benches to view displays in some areas.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the museum.
Parking - There is parking directly in front of the museum and a large parking area on the opposite side of the building.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby Downtown Foley
Things to do in Foley, Alabama - All of the epic must-see fun you can have in Foley.
What's New in Foley, AL - Check out the new restaurants, attractions, things to do, events, and more in town
Gypsy Queens Java - Located next to the museum is a great Foley Coffee Shop.
Foley Train Museum and Model Train Exhibit - A fun train exhibit and museum great for the entire family.
Copper Kettle Tea Bar
Bagel Boy Foley - Grab epic bagels and a coffee just down the road from the museum.
Stacey's Olde Tyme Soda Fountain - step back in time at this old school soda fountain and ice cream shop!
Lamberts Cafe - Home of the thrown rolls and southern comfort food.
Gelato Joe's Italian and Tiki Bar - Truly some of the best pasta I have had anywhere in the world!
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Top things to do in Foley, AL - All of the fun things not to miss in Foley including museums, attractions, and more.
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Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
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