Replica of Wisconsin schoolhouse, where GOP began, on display at RNC
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A piece of American and Wisconsin history is displayed at the Republican National Convention.
In 1854, the Republican Party formed in a schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin.
"Although they came with various political parties, they laid those parties aside and came under one banner, one name, the Republicans," Ripon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mandy Kimes said.
Kimes and her team run The Little White Schoolhouse, a museum that showcases the original schoolhouse where the GOP was birthed.
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the non-partisan museum preserves the history of the founding. This week, Kimes is at the RNC with a replica of The Little White Schoolhouse.
"It feels like an incredible opportunity to showcase this unique history and we really believe this history is not just unique but inspiring," she said.
Some party members knew exactly what the building was right away.
"We have a picture of the Little Schoolhouse in our headquarters," Arkansas Delegate Doyle Webb told CBS 58.
While others were not as aware of the GOP's roots in Wisconsin.
"When I saw it, I was pulled right to it," South Carolina Delegate Alvin Portee Jr. said. "But I didn't know this!"
No matter their prior knowledge, those who got to see the replica in person, will never forget where the Republican Party began.
"Well, I think this is great. I think y'all are doing a very good job of sharing Wisconsin," Webb said.
"I'm glad I'm here and I'm standing by the little schoolhouse, and I'll carry this truth back to South Carolina," Portee Jr. said.
If you want to visit the original Little White Schoolhouse, Ripon is about 1.5 hours away from Milwaukee in Fond du Lac County.
Little White Schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin