Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce - Wisconsin

Ripon Historical Society
508 Watson Street, Ripon ~ 920-748-5354
Three buildings with historic displays and archives. Open Houses only ~ Please call for dates.

Little White Schoolhouse
The Birthplace of the Republican Party
303 Blackburn Street, Ripon ~ 920-748-6764

www.LittleWhiteSchoolhouse.org
This historic building, which has been declared a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places, is the Birthplace of the Republican Party. 2004 marks the 150th anniversary of the historic meeting that took place on March 20, 1854. This was the first grass roots meeting during which members of three existing political parties met to form a new party called "Republican" and ignited a national movement. Visitors will also learn about the founding of Ripon and what school was like for children in the 1800's. The Schoolhouse offers a prairie educational experience in which elementary grade students participate in an 1850's school simulation. The simulation is available by prior arrangement only.

Motorcoach, student and other groups can be accommodated with advance notice. Arrangements can also be made for step-on guided motorcoach tours of Ripon and area attractions.

*Ripon's Little White Schoolhouse Museum is open to the public May through September or by appointment. Please call for hours.

Ripon College Historical Museum
West Hall, Ripon College ~ 920-748-8325
Behind the Congregational Church on the corner of Ransom and State Streets

The Ripon College Historical Museum displays and documents the history of Ripon College in photos and artifacts. The museum is open Monday - Friday, 8 am to Noon and 1 to 5 pm. With the exception of Alumni Weekend, when there is a large alumni exhibit, the museum is not open on weekends or during the summer without an appointment with the Archivist.

Historic Ripon Walking Tours
Ripon Chamber office, 127 Jefferson Street ~ 920-748-6764
Little White Schoolhouse, 303 Blackburn Street (Seasonal)

Experience Ripon's unique range of architectural styles, including well preserved Victorian "Painted Ladies", and learn about the city's history while walking (or driving) these tours. Brochures and maps provided at the Ripon Chamber office or the Little White Schoolhouse Museum ~ you determine your own pace.

Kresge Little Theatre
East Hall, Ripon College
Behind the Congregational Church on the corner of Ransom and State Streets

Pi Kappa Delta, the national collegiate forensics society, was founded at Ripon in 1913. The Hall of Fame recognizes notable members, including Spencer Tracy who was one of the society's early Ripon College members.

Ripon's Campus Cinema
103 Watson Street, Ripon ~ 920-748-2506
This is the first theatre in the empire of Ben Marcus, Wisconsin entrepreneur and philanthropist. The theatre continues to show current movies daily.

C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts
Ripon College West Campus, Union Street at Blossom, Ripon ~ 920-748-8791

The C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts contains Demmer Recital Hall for concert performances, Benstead Theatre for performing arts and the Thomas E. Caestecker Wing for the Fine Arts.The CaesteckerWing includes a public art gallery for resident and guest artist exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. Two original paintings by Flemish master Sir Anthony Van Dyck are housed in the lobby of the building. Rotating student and guest artist exhibits are displayed in the lobby through the school year. Please contact Ripon College at 920-748-8791 for a schedule of exhibits and performances.

The Thrasher Opera House is located in beautiful Green Lake in a renovated historic building. It serves as a center to promote the arts, a community-gathering place and historic reminder. The building contains outstanding acoustics in a warming environment. Displaying a diverse array of Musical showcases Thrasher Opera House has something for everyone.