About the Rural Life Museum

The Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the teachers and students who attended one-room schools in Rural America and was made possible thanks to the hard work and generosity of many community members.

The school building and a Challenge Grant were donated by Stella and Susan Close in memory of William Arthur Close.

The land was donated by the Eugene and Scott Shaw families and the barn was later donated by the Gordon Colgan family.

Countless others have contributed their time, talent, and materials as well as their financial support in order to keep this important piece of history alive.

A dedication ceremony was held on May 29, 1989, marking the official opening of the museum.