Beloit, WI – April 26, 2025 – The Beloit Historical Society is excited to announce “Ring The Bell,” an inspiring online day of giving set to take place on April 26, 2025. This special event aims to gather support from the community and beyond to fund the installation, restoration, furnishing, and programming of the beloved little country schoolhouse.

Originally known as the District 12 Rural School, this cherished part of the Beloit Historical Society was built prior to 1864 and located on Colley Road, on the Joseph B. Colley Farm. The property was purchased by Ronald Dougan, who moved it to the Dougan Farm in 1920. It served as crop storage until 1971, when Mr. Dougan donated the school to the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. He then moved the school to the Hanchett-Bartlett site, where it was renovated by the Sorority and renamed The Daisy Chapin School. The schoolhouse became a beloved field trip destination for Beloit and area school children, who learned about life in the past and Miss Chapin, a local elementary teacher, school principal, and, after her retirement, Assistant Curator of the Hanchett-Bartlett Museum.

On June 25, 2024, RJ Hallett Housemovers relocated the schoolhouse to the Lincoln Center Grounds at 845 Hackett Street. It now requires permanent installation, restoration, and educational program development.

“Ring The Bell” on April 26, 2025, offers supporters the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through their donations. These contributions will fund essential restoration work, provide authentic furnishings, and develop engaging educational programs, ensuring that the Little Country School House remains a vibrant and integral part of our community.

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to join us for ‘Ring The Bell’,” said Donna Langford, Executive Director at the Beloit Historical Society. “Together, we can bring this treasured example of the past back to its former glory and ensure that it continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for our community.”

To participate in this online event, please visit the Beloit Historical Society Facebook Event or Beloithistoricalsociety.com on April 26 and make an online donation. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference and help us achieve our goal.

For more information about the Beloit Historical Society and the “Ring The Bell” event, please contact Donna Langford at (608) 365-7835.

Let’s come together and ring the bell for a brighter future!

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