Explore the Era of the One-Room Schoolhouse
You don’t have to walk uphill, both ways, to discover the history of Wisconsin schoolhouses. At Reed School, class is back in session, and this time fun and games are encouraged! Explore this 1915 school and see how students learned and thrived in a classroom environment without the internet, computers, electricity, or even running water. Don’t forget to erase the chalkboard!
FIELD TRIPS
Field Trips
The best day of your school year awaits! Don’t just read about history, experience it! Field Trips at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites and museums allow students to step into the worlds they’re studying through fun adventures and engaging experiences around the state for grades k-12.
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Reed School
Enter the era of the one-room schoolhouse, when hard work & country life helped to shape a generation
We are NOW open Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. We hope to see you here this summer! ... See MoreSee Less
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𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽
Take advantage of your free admission to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s sites and attractions with your 2026 Member Pastport, an exciting program for members only. Bring your digital or physical membership card along on your first visit* to get your Pastport and start your journey.
Not a member yet? Join today and start your adventure: wihist.org/4dSMcU9 ... See MoreSee Less
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We can't wait for you to come experience a one-room schoolhouse! We open for the season on May 24!𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲? ✏️ 🍎
In 1912, Grant County was home to 15 high schools, five first-class graded schools, five second-class graded schools, and an impressive 201 one-room schoolhouses. Across Wisconsin, nearly 6,000 one-room schools once dotted the rural landscape.
In those early days, students of all ages gathered in a single room with one teacher guiding every lesson. As children grew older, they typically moved on to a high school serving a larger area. By the 1920s, motorized school buses made it easier for students to travel farther from home. Gradually, small one-room schools were consolidated into multi-room buildings where grades were separated. By World War II, most one-room schoolhouses had closed, remaining only in the most rural corners of the state. Today, many of those 19th-century school buildings have disappeared or fallen into disrepair.
Step back in time and experience this chapter of education history at Reed School. The site opens for the season in May and welcomes visitors Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Field trips are also available in May and June by reservation.
Learn more: wihist.org/4soSrUa
📸: Grant County, Wisconsin | September 1939 | WHI Image ID 24502 ... See MoreSee Less
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