Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Discover an Alabama museum with 25,000+ vintage collectibles
Reading time: 2 minutes
Calling Atlas Obscura! We have discovered one of the most unusual and joyful museums in Alabama.
Tim Hollis, pop-culture historian and author of 40+ books, opened his home in Dora, Alabama (81 Sharon Boulevard) this weekend to the public. Inside, guests will find a pop culture museum with nearly 26,000 vintage collectibles.
According to Hollis, he saw a magazine article about a fellow that collected cartoon character toys back in 1981. A college student at the time, Hollis noticed everything that was in the article’s photos was something that he owned.
That’s when he decided to organize his many childhood keepsakes and memorabilia.
“I came from a family background of saving things. My parents saved as much as they could from my own childhood. I decided that I would try to recreate the collection that I had when I was a kid, and it got out of hand from there!”
Tim Hollis
Travel back in time 60+ years
When you walk into Hollis’ two floor home museum, you are overwhelmed with pop culture items that span 60+ years. What kind of items are there?
- Iconic pop culture collectibles from brands like Peanuts, The Muppets, Beverly Hillbillies, McDonalds characters, cartoon mustard bottles, Wizard of Oz, Alvin and Chipmunks and so much more.
- Roadside attractions and tourism items, including a Rock City barn.
- Birmingham memorabilia, including vintage Vulcan Park pennants, TV and radio station collectibles and even a framed Downtown Pizitz Department Store advertisement.
Below is a small glimpse of the museum.
“I like to say that I started out to preserve my own memories, but I ended up preserving everyone else’s memories.
Tim Hollis
Appointments only
Hollis holds public viewings of the museum like the one this weekend, twice a year. The small $5 entrance fee goes toward local animal rescue organizations.
Otherwise, Hollis does give tours for the rest of the year by appointment only. If he is available and not traveling or working, he will open the space after 4:00PM on weekdays and on weekends. Inquiries about making an appointment can be made at Hollis1963@aol.com.
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