TLDR: Danielle Colby performs burlesque under the stage name Dannie Diesel and opened the Ecdysiast Arts Museum in Davenport, Iowa, in June 2025. The museum is a 21+ venue at 322 North Brady Street.
How Burlesque Started
Fox News reported in 2018 that Colby first saw striptease in Chicago more than a decade earlier, watching comedian Margaret Cho in a variety show called The Sensuous Woman. Colby described a strict upbringing, so burlesque was new and taboo.
Colby told Fox News that burlesque became part of a changing relationship with body and sexuality. In a WQAD interview, Colby said, “Burlesque changed everything about my life, much like American Pickers changed everything about my life.”
Who Dannie Diesel Is
Dannie Diesel is Colby’s stage name, and Colby performs with a burlesque troupe. Colby told WQAD, “That was a name that my dad’s friend gave to me when I was three or four years old.”
A Collection Built Over Decades
Colby has collected historic burlesque costumes for more than 20 years, which mirrors the hunting Colby does for Mike Wolfe. Fox News said the collection included an 1890s Lillie Langtry costume and a banana skirt reportedly owned by Josephine Baker.
Fox News also reported that Wolfe attended Colby’s shows and understood the interest in historical accuracy.
The Ecdysiast Arts Museum
The museum held a one-night grand opening on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with a theme of “Stripping History.” Quad Cities Business reported that tickets cost $75 and included a cocktail reception, a museum tour and a show.
River Cities’ Reader says the museum shows only part of Colby’s larger collection, including an outfit worn by Perle Noire and costumes from Vanessa Thomas Smith, the first Black female ringmaster in American circus history. Colby also sells costumes and vintage clothing from the collection.
Colby told the same outlet the museum opened earlier than planned because the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas was closing in July 2025. The family also pitched in, and Newsweek reported that Colby’s husband built the fixtures.
Why It Is Called Ecdysiast
The word was coined by H.L. Mencken, based on a Greek word for a performer who removes clothing. Colby told River Cities’ Reader, “We wanted the museum to be called the Stripping History Museum, but we couldn’t even get an ad in the paper.”
Colby added that the term’s obscurity helps protect the culture.
How to Visit
The museum is at 322 North Brady Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa, behind a pink door. Its FAQ lists hours as closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 11 at night, Thursday from 6 to 11 at night, and by appointment.
It is described as a 21+ venue, and hours may change for private or special events. A December 2025 report described different daytime hours, so check the museum’s site before you go.
What Comes Next for Colby
In December 2025, Colby said the plan was to return to burlesque while the future of the show was uncertain. For the background, see our Danielle Colby profile and our post on whether American Pickers is cancelled.
Dannie Diesel and Museum FAQ
Who is Dannie Diesel?
Dannie Diesel is the burlesque stage name of Danielle Colby from American Pickers.
Where is the Ecdysiast Arts Museum?
It is at 322 North Brady Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa.
When did the Ecdysiast Arts Museum open?
It held its grand opening on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
What does ecdysiast mean?
It is a term for a performer who removes clothing as entertainment. River Cities’ Reader says H.L. Mencken coined it.
Can anyone visit the museum?
It is described as a 21+ venue. Check the museum’s website for current hours.
Is Danielle Colby still on American Pickers?
Colby said in December 2025 that the show was done, but History disputed it and Season 27 episodes returned on February 15, 2026.
