Preserving the spectacular history of Indiana High School Basketball has been done by many but when it comes to the legendary story of the 1954 Milan Indians, nobody preserved it better than the late Roselyn McKittrick. And even six years after her passing, her legacy and preservation continues today.

 

Milan became home for Mrs. McKittrick after marrying her husband John in 1955 and she would make a mark in town by resurrecting the historic King Hotel and transforming into the very popular Railroad Inn. But when her Milan Station Antiques store popped up on Carr Street, Roselyn turned her attention to displaying the stories and legends that made possible the “Milan Miracle.” What started as just a corner of her store blossomed into the full renovation of an old bank building which turned into the Milan 54 Museum, allowing McKittrick to retell the tales from that historic season to all who entered the doors. Through her efforts and stories, thousands of museum-goers from all over the world received a hospitable smile and a better understanding of why Milan and Southeastern Indiana play such an integral role in the history of “Hoosier Hysteria.”

 

Roselyn McKittrick worked tirelessly to ensure that the Mighty Men of Milan and Southeastern Indiana hoops history was preserved and shared with younger generations. While Mrs. McKittrick passed away in 2019, her legacy and the museum continue to live on. She was always one to shy away from recognition but through her induction into the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame, we now give her the full recognition she deserves for the part she has played in our neck of the woods.