Photo courtesy of the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
By Natalie Derrickson
Breaking into show business in the early 1900s took grit, tenacity, and talent. If an aspiring performer could get their break, it would offer a world of life-changing possibilities. Vincennes’ native son, Richard Bernard “Red” Skelton, found his destiny while selling newspapers to support his family, and, as they say, the rest was history.
Throughout many of the nation’s most pivotal moments in culture, society, and wartime, Skelton had a voice and a joke, poised to entertain, inspire, and distract audiences from real-life troubles at home. Today, his legacy lives on in American comedy and, in Vincennes, at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy.
Skelton’s collection is more than just a museum — it’s an experience. The interactive museum allows kids of all ages to touch, act, laugh, and experiment with their comedic style, even alongside Skelton against a green screen. Everyone will get a kick when they’re at the sound board, inserting whatever effects get the biggest laugh on Skelton’s radio show.
Fun and games aren’t the only features of the museum, but laughter reigns supreme. Tour a timeline of Skelton’s life from Vincennes and his rise to stardom, including pictures, letters, and original paintings from his collection.
“This fall is an exciting time at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy,” shared Anne Pratt, the museum’s director. “On Nov. 16, we plan to host the grand opening reception for the new Lothian and Red Skelton Gallery of Fine Arts. This beautiful, 7,000-square-foot gallery was made possible through a donation from Mrs. Lothian Skelton, Red’s widow, who will attend the opening event.”
Upcoming events
Skelton Family Bones | Aug. 18 – Nov. 2
Explore Red’s family tree and what is known about his relatives.
Private Skelton | Nov. 4-18
Learn about Red’s brief Army life and attend a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11.
The Gift of Giving | Nov. 19, 2025 – Feb. 3, 2026
Celebrate the Christmas season and view new additions to the collection.
Visit redskeltonmuseum.org for directions, hours, special events, and membership information.
