As Beloit observed its centennial in 1936, the idea developed that a “Hall of Beloit Builders and Founders” should be established. In January of 1938 Oscar Nelson (inducted 1975), secretary of the Beloit Commercial Club, proposed that the “hall” be established “for the purpose of perpetuating the memories of men and women, who in life, gave generously of their time, talents and means to the building of our city.”

The original 25 inductees had their portraits painted by the noted local artist E.M.R. Weiner (inducted 1976), and they were presented to the public in a ceremony at Grinnell Hall June 16, 1940. From Grinnell they were moved to the old Beloit Public Library, then to the Hanchett-Bartlett house when that became part of the Beloit Historical Society. Today Lincoln Center is their home.

The outbreak of World War II shelved plans to continue inducting members, and it wasn’t until 1966 that the project was revived. M. Walter Dundore (inducted 1974), curator of the Beloit Historical Society, and Bart Swindall, executive director of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, brought the concept, now titled the Beloit Hall of Fame, back to life for Beloit’s Heritage Days celebrations.

Every year Beloiters have continued to be inducted into the Beloit Hall of Fame, “…individuals whose efforts and vision for a better community distinguished themselves during their lifetime by making a significant contribution to the greater good of our Beloit area and its citizens, this Nation, and mankind, or otherwise brought fame to our community irrespective of their residence at the time of death.” The Hall now numbers of 200 of these notable men and women.