The Little White Schoolhouse
Built in 1853
History of the Birth of the Republican Party
1853
This simple frame schoolhouse, built in 1853, holds a powerful history. In the Little White Schoolhouse a decision made by a small group of Ripon citizens changed the course of our nation’s history.
1854
A meeting in this simple, one story clapboard and frame schoolhouse on March 20, 1854, and another in Jackson, Michigan, on July 6, to protest passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which permitted the extension of slavery beyond the limits of the Missouri Compromise, drew dissatisfied Whigs, Free Soilers, and Democrats. These meetings were the first of those that led to the formation of the Republican Party.
1974
The birth of this party brought a dedicated following of individuals who pledged to organize together and fight against the spread of slavery. Ripon Wisconsin's Little White Schoolhouse was designated a National Historic Site in 1974.
Admission is FREE!
The Little White Schoolhouse museum is open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the months of May and September, and seven days a week from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Our hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you would like to visit the museum outside of these times, you can schedule a private tour by filling out the form in the Tours tab above, or by contacting the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at (920) 658-5974.
Guided Group Tours:
Tours are also available for groups or school classes. We can arrange for a presentation about the school and its history to fit any age group or interest.
Group Tours are $25 per group