170 Years of Political History at Ripon’s Little White Schoolhouse

Mandy Kimes discusses renewed attention for the Republican Party’s birthplace while in the midst of a unique campaign stop during a special live on-site edition of The Todd Allbaugh Show

The Little White Schoolhouse is nestled in the heart of Ripon, Wisconsin. And it stands as a reminder of 170 years of political history when the Republican Party was founded at the site in 1854. Recently, it was front and center again as Vice President Kamala Harris and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney held a campaign rally at Ripon College, just a few blocks from the schoolhouse. Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes joined Todd Allbaugh during a special live on-site edition of The Todd Allbaugh Show to discuss the area’s historic role and the unique campaign visit in 2024.

“For a small community like ours, it’s an energizing experience to have this kind of attention, especially given the significance of the Little White Schoolhouse,” Kimes says. “It reminds us of the roots of civic engagement and the power of ordinary people standing up for what’s right.”

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LISTEN to the entire segment here:

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A Landmark and Republican Party Birthplace 

The Little White Schoolhouse is more than just a symbol of political history. Originally built as a one-room schoolhouse, the building became the birthplace of the Republican Party when a group of abolitionists gathered to form a new political movement centered around opposing the expansion of slavery. Kimes calls it one of the most inspiring aspects of Ripon’s history.

The Little White Schoolhouse stands as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements, civil discourse, and the impact of regular people.

Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes

“The founding issue was the expansion of slavery. It’s something that shocks and encourages people when they learn the roots of the Republican Party are tied to such a noble cause,” she explains. “Visitors often ask, ‘When did things change?’ The answer isn’t simple—it didn’t happen overnight. The issues that the party was founded on are very different from the issues we face now.”

A Place for Community and Conversation

Residents of Ripon tell Allbaugh there’s a strong sense of identity and civic pride, thanks in part to the Little White Schoolhouse and its legacy. The building has become a stopping point for tourists, too. But Kimes believes it’s becoming so much more to those who live near it. 

“It’s not just an attraction or historical landmark,” Kimes says. “It’s a place for important community conversations.”

The Chamber of Commerce owns and operates the Little White Schoolhouse and is in the process of expanding it as a hub for civic engagement. A nearby former bank building is being renovated into a space for events, displays, and leadership development programs. 

“We hope it becomes a place where the community can continue to have important discussions about our history and how it informs our future,” Kimes adds. “The RNC being held in Milwaukee brought even more attention to this area. People are fascinated by the history here, and it has really put Ripon on the map.”

A Reflection on Political Change

The significance of Ripon’s history is not lost on those who visit. Kimes shares that many people, including current Republicans, are surprised and inspired by the roots of the party. 

“We hear over and over again from visitors, ‘I didn’t know this is where the Republican Party began,’”she says. “When they learn about the founding stance on issues like slavery and women’s suffrage, they feel a connection to that history.”

And with a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney, Kimes and Allbaugh point at the irony and complexity of a town that birthed a party — now fighting an identity crisis of sorts. Cheney, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has placed herself at the center of the “Country Over Party” movement, urging Republicans to move away from Trumpism and return to the party’s foundational ideals.

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Read Allbaugh’s blog about his visit to Ripon and why he writes the entire event made him proud to be an American here.

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“It’s interesting to see how history unfolds,” Kimes tells Allbaugh. “Ripon’s story reminds us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and that’s as true today as it was years ago.”

A Look at the Legacy and the Future

The 170th anniversary of the Republican Party’s founding is just months away, The Little White Schoolhouse stands as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements, civil discourse, and the impact of regular people.

“The people who gathered in 1854 were ordinary citizens,” Kimes says. “They didn’t have wealth or power, but they came together to make a change. That’s the message we want to carry forward. Anyone can make a difference if they’re willing to stand up for what they believe in.”