2025 Theme: Beloit: Open Doors
Tagline: Unlock the Doors to Our Past!
Description: “Beloit: Open Doors” invites residents and visitors to explore the Stateline’s most iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems through a weekend full of events that celebrates the rich tapestry of our community’s past and the vibrant culture of today.
Participants will enjoy free access to architectural treasures, cultural institutions, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours as community organizations, churches, businesses, schools, and cultural institutions “open their doors” and welcome visitors in. “Open Doors” could also be symbolic, such as how doors have been opened to people through education, or historic events such as The Great Migration or the Civil Rights Movement.
Past Participants
• The Castle
• Beckman Mill
• Nature At The Confluence
• Welty Environmental Center
• South Beloit Historical Society | Wheeler House
• Rasey House
• Visit Beloit | New Visitor Center
• City of Beloit
• African American Historical Society of Beloit
• Beloit Historical Society
• Beloit Historical Society
• Beloit Public Library
• Beloit College Logan Museum
• Beloit International Film Festival
• Downtown Beloit Association
• 1st Congregational Church
New participants to be invited
• Beloit College Powerhouse
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• Merril Community Garden
• Festival Latino Americano
• Ho-Chunk Nation
• Beloit Art Center
• South Beloit Library
Recommendations for other organizations to include are welcome.
Possible Events that Connect the Theme of “Open Doors”
• Opportunities to visit historical buildings, museums, and landmarks, some of which are not typically open to the public.
• Guided tours with historians and local storytellers.
• Celebrate the diverse cultures of our community with food, music, art, and storytelling.
• Highlight how doors have been opened to people through education, or historic events such as Civil Rights Movement or The Great Migration.
• Feature performances by local musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists that reflect the community’s heritage and cultural diversity.
• Create an “Open Doors” collaborative piece where participants can write or draw their personal aspirations, stories, or messages of inclusion on “door panels” or encourage attendees to sign a large banner committing to keeping the spirit of “Beloit: Open Doors” alive.