Our Mission: To promote the legacy of Cardinal Ritter through activities that preserve
his commitment to social justice, ecumenism, and service to others.
During the course of assessing the derelict childhood home of Joseph Cardinal Ritter, it was decided a brick enclosed space would be built immediately behind the main structure would be erected to house a small museum in his honor. The actual space was the location of the original ovens that served the family’s storefront bakery business. It is now a showcase of the life of the Cardinal.
The Cardinal Ritter Museum and adjoining Rose Garden (celebrating Ritter’s passion for raising roses) were the final 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, who is 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.
Archbishop Charles Thompson visiting the Ritter Museum.
The bronze bust of the Cardinal, created by local sculptor Guy Tedesco, sits atop a pedestal to welcome visitors.
II. THE RITTER COLLECTION OF VESTMENTS AND ARTIFACTS
Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson graciously accept our June 28, 2025 request for a Ritter vestment for display in our Museum. In September, much to our surprise, his archivist Julie Motyka sent us sent us five items from Ritter’s years in Indianapolis (1933-1946). They are on “Indefinate Loan” to the CRBFI.Ritter Vestments – Indianapolis Archive
The CRBFI has also been entusted with seven vestments worn by Cardinal Joseph Ritter and several artifacts from his tenure in St. Louis (1946-1967). The collection is on ‘Indefinate Loan’ from the St. Louis Archive with the approval of Archbishop Mitchel T. Rozanski. A request initiated in late 2025 by CRBFI archivist Ray Day was fulfilled on February 13, 2026, when St. Louis archivist Eric Fair delivered them to the Cardinal Ritter Birthplace. Ritter Vestments – St. Louis Archive
III. RITTER UPSTAIRS BIRTH ROOM
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 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 period.
IV. RITTER FAMILY FRONT 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).
it was decided a brick enclosed space would be built immediately behind the main structure would be erected to house a small museum in his honor. The actual space was the location of the original ovens that served the family’s storefront bakery business. It is now a showcase of the life of the Cardinal.
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, who is 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.
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 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.
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).