Clown Hall of Fame

The induction process was developed in 1988, following the affiliation of four major clown organizations with the museum. The affiliated clown organizations were given the role of selecting the first nominees. Balloting by the members of the ICHOF resulted in the election of Red Skelton, Lou Jacobs, Emmett Kelly, Sr., Mark Anthony, Felix Adler, and Otto Griebling. The first inductees were enshrined April 23, 1989.

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Since then, 61 additional clowns have been inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame. In addition to living and historical American clowns, the ensemble has included clowns from Europe, South America and Africa. In addition to induction, the International Clown Hall of fame annually bestows a "Lifetime of Laughter Achievement Award." This award has gone to Willard Scott, who at one time played both Ronald McDonald and Bozo on TV before becoming known as The Today Show weather man; Max Patkin, the "Clown Prince of Baseball" Ben Barkin of the Great Circus Parade and Meadowlark Lemon, the "Clown Prince of Basketball."

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