🎉 Join Us for a Historic Dedication Honoring Jim Hambrick! 🦸♂️
We’re thrilled to announce that Jim Hambrick, founder of the Super Museum, will be recognized with a Metropolis Historic Marker!
📅 Date: Friday, June 13
🕘 Time: 9:15 AM
📍 Location: Superman Statue, Metropolis, IL
Be part of the Superman Celebration Opening Ceremony at the iconic Superman statue. Immediately following, we’ll unveil the historic marker in front of the Super Museum gift shop, honoring Jim's incredible contributions to preserving Superman history in Metropolis, Illinois.
James “Jim” Michael Hambrick age 70, of
Metropolis, IL (formerly of Los Angeles, CA)
passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024.
Jim was a visionary, historian, and passionate
advocate for preserving the legacy of Superman.
As the founder of the iconic Super Museum in
Metropolis, Illinois, he created a world-renowned
destination celebrating the Man of Steel.
Throughout his lifetime the enduring fandom
surrounded him. Jim’s work helped transform
Metropolis into a hub for Superman enthusiasts,
cementing its reputation with landmark attractions
such as the Superman Statue in Superman
Square, Lois Lane Statue, Action Comics mural,
and the Metropolis Planet Globe. Additionally, he
was a driving force behind the annual Superman
Celebration, a beloved event that continues to
draw fans from around the globe every June.
Jim’s civic contributions extended beyond
the museum. He served as President of the
Metropolis Chamber of Commerce and was
a founding board member of the Greater
Metropolis Convention & Visitors Bureau.
His efforts were recognized with numerous
accolades, including the Les Easterday Award,
Superman of Metropolis Award, and the Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, among others.
Before his time in Metropolis, Jim was a
prominent figure in Los Angeles County’s fan and
cultural communities. Known internationally as
the “Keeper of Superman,” Jim was a renowned
pop culture historian and enthusiast. His
dedication to preserving Hollywood history led
him to contribute to notable restoration projects
such as the Wattles Mansion, Yellow Barn, and the
Hollywood Walk of Fame, where he served on the
board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
He managed and collaborated with iconic
figures such as Kirk Alyn (the first Superman
of film), Noel Neill, Phyllis Coates, Jack
Larson, Robert Shayne, Jerry Siegel, Joe
Shuster, and celebrated painter Nancy
Fontaine. He was instrumental in preserving
Superman costumes through partnerships
with institutions like Cal State Fullerton and
served as a member of the Western Historic
Society.
Jim was also a pioneer in the early days of
the San Diego Comic-Con, showcasing the
first superhero museum exhibit at the event.
He lent artifacts from his collection—acquired
from renowned collector Thol Simonson—to the
Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.,
and spearheaded the “Famous Faces” exhibit
at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
A tireless advocate for Superman’s legacy, Jim
toured the country with his traveling Superman
Museum with the support of Julius “Julie”
Schwartz, former editor-in-chief of DC Comics,
and Jenette Kahn, a DC Comics executive.
He curated exhibits for events such as the
premiere of Superman II at the Daily News Building
and contributed reference materials to the film
Hollywoodland, earning a credit for his expertise on
George Reeves. His work was frequently featured in
books about Superman, including those exploring
the mystery of Reeves’ death. Jim also appeared
on programs such as The Daily Show, Dateline,
Unsolved Mysteries, and The Tonight Show.
🎥 Stick around for a special video presentation under the Metro Tent following the dedication!
Let’s celebrate a true superhero of Metropolis – don’t forget to snap photos and share using #JimHambrickDedication #SuperMuseum #SupermanCelebration
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