This Unnerving Museum Hiding In Alabama Will Leave You At A Loss For Words

Holmes Medical Museum in Foley, Alabama, showcases preserved medical instruments and rooms from the early 20th century.

What was once Sibley Holmes Memorial Hospital (Baldwin County's first hospital), is now Holmes Medical Museum. Located in Foley, Alabama, above a quaint pharmacy, Holmes Medical Museum features a collection of old medical instruments, in addition to a recreated operating room, patient rooms, an x-ray room and a pharmacy from that time period (1936).

Baldwin County's first hospital was open from 1936 to 1958. When it closed, the rooms were never updated. They were well preserved, and today they still look like they did during the early 20th century. At this unique museum, you can explore the old operating room, in addition to the patient rooms---which also haven't changed since the late 30s-50s.

Operating Room

Sterilization Room & Equipment

Many utilitarian steel instruments are also on display at Holmes Medical Museum. These instruments are laid out on metal trays waiting to be used, much like they were decades ago. If these types of medical instruments were used today, many of us would describe it as cruel and unusual torture. Simply put, the medical instruments used by doctors during the early 20th century were HORRIFYING! After viewing the medical instruments at Holmes Medical Museum, you'll definitely appreciate how far medical equipment has come.

1800s Obstetrical Instruments

Otolaryngology Kit

Listed below are additional displays you can expect to see while touring Holmes Medical Museum.

Exam Room

Dental Chair

Radiated Water Urn

Dr. Sibley Holmes graduated from the University of Alabama Medical School in 1895.

Infant Incubator

Death Shroud

Barber's Bowl: Blood-Letting

Medical Machine

If you're unable to tour Holmes Medical Museum, check out this video:

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It's amazing how far medical technology has advanced throughout the years, isn't it?

If you're interested in taking a self-guided tour of Holmes Medical Museum, refer to the following information:

Address:

Holmes Medical Museum

111 W Laurel Ave

Foley, AL 36535

Hours:

Monday - Saturday / 10am - 2pm

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