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About the Museum

Bringing joy to Countless Audiences!

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy honors the legacy of a man who touched numerous lives through his comedic talent, great works, compassion and commitment to public service.

As a museum, the RSMAC reflects history, ideas, innovation, discovery, diversity, creative expression and democracy in celebration of the exceptional man whose greatest ambition was to bring joy to countless audiences.

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One Man's Impact

The Red Skelton Museum is a testament to the impact one man can have on the lives of others. Red’s life story parallels definitive moments in American history which hold lessons for us all as citizens. From his career in vaudeville, in radio, television and film, we see the character of man emerge which reminds us of the importance and value of our individual roles in society as family members, colleagues, and patriots.

Red’s ability to perform his comedic routines during his bleakest personal tragedies speak to his fortitude and altruism which inspire us to reach outside of ourselves to impact the lives of others in positive ways.

The Red Skelton Museum features a 3,500 square foot, fully interactive exhibit entitled “Red Skelton: A Legacy of Laughter” which highlights these themes:

Red's Comedy Kit

Activities which introduce the ideas of physical comedy by showing his mastery of the art of pantomime, slapstick, pratfalls, and facial expressions.

Interactive Learning

An interactive chronology featuring three parallel timelines: Red’s life, national events, and popular entertainment for visitors to explore!

Memorabilia

Scrapbooks of photos, letters and memorabilia as well as costumes of all of his most beloved characters: Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kaddidlehopper, etc.

Stage Set

Try your hand at physical sight gags on the “Freddie the Freeloader” stage just like Red! You'll have a blast as you try to mimic Red's movements to your live audience.

Showcase Theater

A showcase theater including a short film featuring hysterical and poignant highlights and photos from Red’s television career.

Timeline and History

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Phillip M. Summers, who inspired us all with his vision for this museum, and to all of those comedic professionals who continue to bring laughter into our daily lives.

After the death of Red Skelton on September 17, Dr. Phillip M. Summers, as President of Vincennes University, proposes to the board of directors that a performing arts center be named in Red's honor. The board passes this proposal.

A grant of $90,000 is awarded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. to have a feasibility study performed on the project.

Committees are formed to study the idea of a combination museum and performing arts center on the Vincennes University Campus. The University purchases Red's birthplace with the intent of it becoming the Red Skelton Museum.

After much work on part of Vincennes University, funding of $17 million from the State of Indiana is secured to build the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center. Mrs. Lothian Skelton makes her first donation of Red's personal ephemera, costumes, props, art and awards.

In February, the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center opens. The structure encompasses 63,000 square feet including an 800-seat proscenium theater, scene design shop and classrooms. In June, a fundraising gala is held in order to raise funds for the future museum.

The Red Skelton Museum Foundation, Inc. is formed with 501(c)3 status, articles of incorporation and bylaws. The McCormick Family Foundation donates funds to construct the exterior shell of the museum as an addition to the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.

The Vincennes University Foundation, caretaker of the Red Skelton collection, gifts the full artifact collection to the Red Skelton Museum Foundation.

An extensive Capital Campaign is launched with a goal of $4 million to complete the interior of the museum with an exhibit gallery, museum store, classroom, offices and artifact storage space.

Professional museum staff are hired.

The Red Skelton Museum Foundation signs contracts with Steve Feldman Design, LLC to design and install the permanent exhibit "A Legacy of Laughter."

On July 10, Lilly Endowment, Inc. awards a $1 million grant to the Red Skelton Museum Foundation to reach the project budget of $4 million, allowing the museum exhibits to be completed and a collections storage facility to be built as an addition to the museum gallery.

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy opens on July 18th in celebration of Red's 100th birthday.

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