Ripon Historical Society

08/27/2026

Be sure to stop by the Ripon Historical Society this Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to view the new exhibit, "Dear Ripon." Learn about the history of Ripon and be sure to bring the kids for a free tote bag and story cards with the purchase of a household subscription.

08/27/2026

On display at the Ripon Historical Society: The patriotic Elizabeth Hargrave Harris' (1829-1917) red, white, and blue hand sewn cape. This cape is cream, red, and blue with 34 stars embroidered in white on a blue collar. The fabric is all cotton.

This cape likely dates to 1862-1863 of Civil War era, as Kansas became the 34th state in 1861 and West Virginia in 1863. Cape is believed to be made by Elizabeth Hargrave Harris of Ripon.

Elizabeth is the daughter of Walter Hargrave, 1st, and sister of Walter O. Hargrave, 2nd. In the Civil War, her brother enlisted in Company M, 1st Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry. She married Thomas Harris who enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War in 1862. Elizabeth accompanied her husband while he served as Commandant of the post at Sauk Center in 1864, where she became a friend to soldiers and families. She likely wore the cape for special events.

08/22/2026

Learn all about the history of Ripon’s Watson St. in this week’s Now & Then…

Why isn’t Ripon’s Watson Street called Main Street? The answer goes back to the city’s founders. Explore the history of the historic shopping district, from its earliest stores and brick paving to preservation efforts that continue today.

08/06/2026

Ripon Historical Society receives high praise in this weeks edition of RCP…

Step back into Ripon’s past through the words of the people who lived it. This editorial highlights the Ripon Historical Society’s new “Dear Ripon” exhibit, where letters, journals and artifacts reveal the community’s history in a personal and engaging way.

07/31/2026

The story behind the barn at 404 Ransom St. in this week's Now & Then...

Ever wondered why there’s an old barn behind Ripon’s Veterans Memorial Walkway? The latest "Now & Then" column uncovers the history of the Fenelon family, the VFW clubhouse and one of the city’s last surviving reminders of 19th-century Ripon.

07/27/2026

More from our new exhibit...Stop by the Ripon Historical Society this Friday or Saturday to see the new exhibit, "Dear Ripon: Stories in Their Own Words." A household membership comes with a free tote and story cards for the kids!

07/27/2026

Stop by the Ripon Historical Society this Friday or Saturday to see the new exhibit, "Dear Ripon: Stories in Their Own Words." A household membership comes with a free tote and story cards for the kids!

07/23/2026

In this week's Now & Then in Ripon, an 1858 journal written by one of City's earliest settlers finds its way home...

A forgotten 1858 journal found in a Madison used bookstore has made its way back to Ripon. Read how pioneer Hazen R. Hill documented student life, muddy streets, farm work and the early days of the city in a remarkable firsthand account of local history.

07/23/2026

The Ripon Historical Society has just opened an exciting new exhibit called “Dear Ripon: Stories in Their Own Words.” The exhibit focuses on storytelling with an educational component for children.

The exhibit features excerpts from journals, letters, and written accounts by local historical figures, offering an intimate glimpse into everyday life across generations.

The Society is also excited to debut an interactive and educational component of the exhibit for children. Story cards on different topics about Ripon’s history are free for kids to collect with the purchase of a $30 household subscription. The story cards are place throughout the exhibit and coordinate with various topics within the exhibit. Also included, are free tote bags for kids to use as they “shop” for their story cards. New story cards will periodically be introduced over time, so in the future children may return to the museum with their tote bag and “shop” for more story cards, continually expanding their collection of Ripon stories.

The Ripon Historical Society encourages families to come explore the exhibit. Open hours are Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

07/17/2026

Ripon College has shaped far more than local history. From an Indiana Jones reference and Badger Boys State to ghost stories and a commencement speech that influenced a U.S. chief justice, see how the college has kept Ripon in the national spotlight for 175 years.