In early 2000, a committee had been formed to look into the possibility of developing a museum in Milan to house the artifacts and memorabilia of the 1954 Milan Indians Team. A commitment from the Ripley County Tourism Commission to see this idea develop into a tourist attraction, also aided in seeing this project move forward.
This core committee formed Milan '54, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in August 2000.
The long-term goal of this organization is to develop the overall experience of this event with a permanent museum and develop the town of Milan to recreate the feeling and flavor of the times in 1954.
There has been preliminary discussion to offer an area in the facility as a possible location for the Ripley County Hall of Fame for all athletes. This aspect is in the discussion stage only at this time, but would make good additional use of the facility.
Raymond and Linda Baurley
Milan, IN
Ray is a lifelong resident of Ripley County, IN and a Milan, IN resident since 1970. Was a teacher and coach for 38 years in the Milan Community Schools. Wife Linda was born and raised in Milan and was a teacher for 29 years in the Milan Community Schools.
Glen Butte (Milan ’54 player)
Batesville, IN
Born in Milan IN and raised in Pierceville IN. and a member of the 1954 Milan High School State Basketball Championship team. Received a basketball scholarship from Indiana University, and was a member of IU’s 1958 Big Ten Basketball Championship team, having played for Branch McCracken. Upon graduation from Indiana University, was in secondary education for 33 years as a teacher, coach and administrator. Retired now and lives 6 months in FL and 6 months in IN.
Phyllis Coe
Milan, IN
Born in Dayton, OH. Mother’s family from Milan, IN. Phyllis was educator in California and moved to Milan in 2004 where she is retired and involved with various activities in the Milan, IN Community
Linda Combs
Daughter of assistant Coach Marcus Combs of the 1954 Milan High School State Basketball Championship team, Linda is a graduate of Milan High School. Now retired from teaching in Cincinnati, OH, is again a resident of Milan, IN, and an active member of several area-wide community organizations.
Jerry L. Jackson
Special Consultant to the Board
Brownstown, IN 47220
Life-long resident of Jackson County, IN. Resides in Brownstown, IN and graduated from Brownstown Central High School. Over 35 years of sales and marketing experience with two major waste and recycling companies and has been helping keep the “Miracle of Milan” story alive for more than 10 years, helping in many ways with promotions and special events. Planned the 2011 state-wide fund raising tour to various cities, schools and special events with the Milan ’54 Legends and the Hickory team from the movie “Hoosiers”.
Tom Kohlmeier
Noblesville, IN 46062
Born and raised in Milan, graduated from Milan High School in 1969. Currently, Chairman of the Board for SEEMAC Incorporated, a Carmel, IN based company.
Roselyn McKittrick
Milan, IN 47031
Born in Forest City, IA, is a Milan resident since 1947, with three children that are graduates of Milan High School. Very active as a volunteer with many Milan, IN and area-wide projects, including keeping the “Miracle of Milan” story alive. Is the founder of the original Milan ’54 temporary museum.
Ron J. Niess
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Born on Long Island, NY. A graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, with an extensive background in Trade Show Marketing, Mobile Marketing, and Museums. Currently a Trustee on the Porter County (IN) Heritage Corporation. Also has active relationships with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the CAF Red Tail Project, a flying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen.
Marianne Wiggers
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Milan, IN resident for 20 years with two sons that are graduates of Milan High School. Currently Manager of Customer Relations and Marketing for Southeastern Indiana REMC, an electric cooperative. Serves on several boards for economic growth and development in Ripley County, IN.
Katherine Taul
Special Consultant to the Board
Versailles, IN
Katherine has been the Ripley County Tourism Bureau Executive Director since 2001. She is the past editor of two weekly newspapers, and has done freelance writing, design, and photography. She is no longer amazed at the number of contacts from around the world about the Milan ’54 Indians and the movie “Hoosiers”.
Don Borchett
Actor in the movie "Hoosiers"