This past Friday, I had the privilege of taking students to the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home and the Indianapolis Home Show. This is the first time that I have been able to take students on a career related field trip and it was wonderful. We were fortunate enough to "tag along" with Mrs. Propst's Living Environments Class.
James Whitcomb Riley was a renowned American Poet whose work depicted a simpler time. Mr. Riley was born in 1849 and in his lifetime produced 1,044 works which he performed in places such as New York's Carnegie Hall. He wrote for and loved children. His works were known to be the idea for icons such as Raggedy Ann and Andy and Little Orphan Annie. After his death, the family with which he lived was asked if the home could be preserved as a tribute. Lockerbie Street is a Historic Home District with each house maintaining its original qualities as they did when Mr. Riley was alive. So the home and all its belongings were preserved and the home became a museum in honor or Mr. Riley. The Riley Memorial Association was formed as was Riley Children's Hospital.
As we toured the home it was amazing to see the original paintings from not only many famous artists and illustrators, but to also see the stenciling and color schemes from the home. It was like stepping back in time. Many students related the home and some of its architectural elements to many homes in Paris. To find out about the home show itself you have to wait until Tuesday!
www.rileykids.org/museum
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