Ryan White
"AIDS can destroy a family if you let it, but luckily for my sister and me, Mom taught us to keep going. Don't give up, be proud of who you are, and never feel sorry for yourself."
What you will experience in the exhibit
Meet Ryan’s Family – at the start of Ryan’s path, photos and a scrapbook introduce visitors to Ryan, his mom Jeanne, his sister Andrea, and his step-father Steve.
What is Hemophilia?—a display explaining Ryan’s blood disorder and the treatment which led to his contracting AIDS.
A New Disease—a video kiosk with 1980’s news report and information about Ryan’s stays at Riley Hospital remind visitors that it’s easy to forget how little was known then about HIV/AIDS.
Moving to a New Home—videos of Ryan and his mother Jeanne talking about their move to Cicero, Indiana in 1987 show what a difference education can make. Ryan’s personally decorated skateboard is displayed here.
Ryan’s Room Theater—a recreation of Ryan’s bedroom is filled with his own toys and memorabilia, including his G.I. Joe collection and his drum set. Live performances here include actors portraying Ryan’s classmates, his friend Heather, and Ryan himself.
We Were There, Too—videos of Ryan’s best friends, Jill Gordon and Heather McNew, sharing their memories of Ryan. A panel nearby tells the story of two boys in the 1980’s who also suffered discrimination in their schools due to HIV/AIDS.
The Ryan White CARE Act—a display of artifacts illustrating Ryan’s legacy of education and understanding for AIDS victims and their families.
TV News Desk WPWR —a newsdesk and teleprompter allows children to host a news show about Ryan, using historic clips from his television appearances.
Life in the 1980’s--a display of objects from the museum’s American collection, showing what daily life was like during the early years of the AIDS crisis.
