James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home

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James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home The historic house museum preserving the childhood and legacy of author James Whitcomb Riley. Grant. His warm up act - - was Mark Twain.

James Whitcomb Riley, known as the Hoosier Poet, was born on October 7, 1849 in a log cabin on the present site of the boyhood home in Greenfield, Indiana. The Greek Revival/Italianate styled home with the distinctive green shutters was built by Riley’s father Reuben. Inside the home, visitors will find “Little Orphant Annie’s” cubby hole and press. The Riley family lived in the home until 1864 when Reuben Riley sold the home. James Whitcomb Riley was able to purchase the home himself in 1893. Riley moved his sister-in-law into the home, which allowed him to visit whenever he liked. The Riley family heirs remained in possession of the home until the City of Greenfield purchased it in 1935. The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier Poet, was the most successful poet of his time. During his lifetime he wrote over 1,000 poems in over 90 different editions. A member of Indiana's Golden Age of Literature, when the country looked to the Midwest as the ultimate in Americana, Riley's works were frequently on the best sellers lists of the time. He reportedly made more money than any American poet previous to him with the exception of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Riley was not just a regional phenomenon, but was a national sensation. In addition to the written word, Riley gave presentations of his works all over the country and even abroad. He was frequently invited to the White House to speak, and he was also the key note attraction at many national events - - including writing an original piece for the funeral of former President Ulysses S. It should be noted that Riley was the "headliner" at a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City in the early 1900's. Riley died in 1916 and was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery on the highest hill in the city of Indianapolis. Newspapers all over the country chronicled his death. President Woodrow Wilson sent personal condolences to the family, and at his funeral in Indiana's State Capitol Building, over 35,000 people passed by his casket in one day's time. Riley's legacy was not merely all of his wonderful works, but he also gave money to help establish the Indianapolis Marion County Central Library where there is a "Riley Room" in his honor. However, his greatest legacy was done as a memorial after his death. Several of his very influential friends in politics, business, and entertainment, banded together to form the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. This institution was Indianapolis' first children's hospital, and is more commonly known today as "Riley Hospital." This was an appropriate honor to a man who loved his childhood, and loved children.

Today is the Hoosier Poet’s birthday! James Whitcomb Riley would have been 177 years old today. In honor of his birthday...
10/07/2026

Today is the Hoosier Poet’s birthday! James Whitcomb Riley would have been 177 years old today. In honor of his birthday tell us your favorite RIley poem.

Wow! We had a great Riley Festival weekend! Thanks to everyone who came for a tour, birthday party or made historic cra...
10/05/2026

Wow! We had a great Riley Festival weekend! Thanks to everyone who came for a tour, birthday party or made historic crafts. Now we are busy planning the Jack O’ Lantern Festival!

Thank you Penny's Florist Home Decor & More for the gorgeous flowers!
10/04/2026

Thank you Penny's Florist Home Decor & More for the gorgeous flowers!

10/02/2026
Wahoo! Party time! Don’t forget to stop by and see us during the Riley festival.
10/01/2026

Wahoo! Party time! Don’t forget to stop by and see us during the Riley festival.

09/28/2026

Are you excited for Riley Festival? 🎉🎂 All of us at the Riley Boyhood Home and Museum certainly are!! Be sure to stop by the museum THIS WEEKEND October 2-4 from 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday 10am-5pm) to join us for games, activities, refreshments, AND MORE!

Grab a taco from Taco Express out front, then head on to the Lizabuth Ann's Kitchen and Gardens for some brand new, special activities! 🌮🧵

And of course, don't forget our birthday party for the man himself on Sunday at 1pm! Stop by for some birthday cake, lemonade, and plenty of fun! 🎉🎈

We can't wait to see you there!

Don’t forget this is coming up!
09/27/2026

Don’t forget this is coming up!

Registration is now OPEN for our 2026 Hoosier Winter Wonderland Art Contest! Register anytime from now until November 13th-- then join us from November 28th-December 4th 2:00pm-6:00pm to see all the incredible submissions! Awards will be presented December 4th at 6:30pm.

Registration Form: https://form.jotform.com/261724830662155

Let us know if you're planning to come! https://www.facebook.com/events/1342159504535010/

Address

250 W Main Street
Greenfield, IN
46140

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+13174628539

Website

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