Step back in time at the Little Red Schoolhouse

FINDLAY — The Hancock Historical Museum is inviting the community to experience a 19th-century school day during its annual 0pen house at the Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 8884 County Road 236 in Findlay, from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The one-room schoolhouse was built in 1882, where it served local schoolchildren. After closing in 1936, the building was converted into grain storage before being donated to the museum by O.T. Wisely in 1972. During that transitional period, the Hancock County Retired Teachers and the Hancock Historical Society restored the building and reopened it to the community. Today, the schoolhouse offers a glimpse into 19th-century education. During the school year, it's most often used for field trips, where third and fourth grade students spend the day immersed in lessons, recess and activities of the early 1900s. The annual open house, however, is designed for audiences of all ages. "It's open for not just children, but the whole family, history lovers, or just people passing by," Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator for the Museum Abigail Inbody said. "It's for anybody that's curious. I hope visitors are in awe after seeing what school back then and enjoy what the property has to offer." Docents will be on hand to answer questions about the building's history and children can try traditional games and toys. The museum is inviting guests to explore the Brucklacher Memorial Park, completed in 2020 by the Kiwanis Club of Findlay in honor of its 100th anniversary. The park includes sculptures, a playground, a picnic shelter and an outdoor history walk. "Our mission is to preserve the past and the educational side of Hancock's history," Inbody said. "I really love that we get to share our community's history on Sunday at the open house, and make it free and accessible to our neighbors." The open house is free to attend, and registration is not required. For more information on upcoming museum events, visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.