Hambrick's daughter Morgan posted of his passing on the Super Museum and Metro Chamber of Commerce Facebook pages.
Hambrick collected memorabilia and artifacts since his first Superman lunchbox at age five, eventually amassing more that 70,000 pieces spanning Superman's creation in 1938 to comic books, television and movies through modern day.
Originally from Los Angeles, Hambrick owned a housewares company with 300 employees for 23 years. He was a professional musician, and owned several other wholesale businesses. He also booked bands and celebrity appearances -- including former TV Superman Kirk Alyn -- for more than 15 years. He had a mobile Superman museum based out of Los Angeles during that time.
Hambrick moved to Metropolis in 1992 and founded the museum in 1993. Since then it has gained worldwide fame in its own rite, including thousands of visitors every year during the Superman Celebration, and a daily stream of travelers pulling off of I-24 to see the statue on Superman Square, then wander across the street to Hambrick's exhaustive collection.
Hambrick was also involved in Metropolis and southern Illinois' tourism efforts. He was a two-time president of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, and a member for 25 years. He was a candidate for mayor of Metropolis in 2021.
(Photos: Superman Museum; City of Metropolis)
On the Net:
Superman Museum Facebook page and web link
