THREE HISTORIC ELEMENTS OF THE RITTER MUSEUM
I. The Life and Times of Joseph Cardinal Ritter
During the course of assessing the derelict childhood home of Joseph Cardinal Ritter, 
it was decided the brick enclosed space immediately behind the main house should be preserved to house a small museum in his honor. Originally it housed the ovens and preparation room that served the family’s storefront bakery business. It was subsequently transformed to showcase the life of the Cardinal.
The Cardinal Ritter Museum and adjoining Rose Garden (celebrating Ritter’s passion for raising roses) were the last major structural projects on the original master plan.
Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, MD, returned to his hometown of New Albany, to bless and dedicate the Museum on July 17, 2013. Following the dedication ceremony, the Archbishop, also Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, was honored by the local Knights of Columbus Cardinal Ritter Counsel #1221 at their clubhouse on Main Street
The Museum features professional Display Panels that highlight the Cardinal’s lifespan and legacy.
The bronze bust of the Cardinal, created by local sculptor Guy Tedesco, sits atop a pedestal to welcome visitors.
Click link for Museum DISPLAY PANELS.
II. Ritter Birth Room – 1892
For 10 years following structural restoration of the home, the Birth Room served as a councelling space for children operated by our only tenant, the Home of the Innocents. In the In the winter of 2022-23, sparked by the donation of an 1885 Eastlake Victorian bedroom suite, the room was restored to reflect the year of the cardinal’s birth, 1892.
Museum Birth Room restored to 1892 periiod.
III. Ritter Family Front Entrance Parlor
Continuing the effort to authenticize the historic rooms of the Cardinal Ritter Birthplace, the front parlor was restroed to the 1892 Victorian Period as well. The project was sparked by the gift of a Eastlake Victorian display cabinet from the New Albany – Floyd County Public Library. Our goal was to step back in time to a typical small town entry parlor. The focus is on “family” – the Ritter family as youngsters (circa 1902), young adults (circa 1917), and successful career oriented adults (circa 1943).
RITTER MUSEUM PARLOR Restored to 1892 Era