Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 1990

About James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association

Friends of the beloved Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley formed The Riley Memorial Association, now named Riley Children’s Foundation, in 1921. The group’s first project was to raise enough money to purchase and preserve Mr. Riley’s Victorian home in the Lockerbie neighborhood of Indianapolis, and open it to the public. The group further honored Mr. Riley’s legacy by building Riley Hospital for Children and opening Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities. Riley Hospital opened its doors and received its first patient in 1924. The history of Riley Children’s Foundation is one of generosity, shown by thousands of supporters who have made the hospital, camp and museum home such treasured resources.