Our Mission
To preserve the spirit of a historic building through community building.

Our Vision
A place for our community to connect, grow, and preserve its history

Every year, thousands of people walk through our doors for church, preschool, AA meetings, senior fitness and countless other public and private events. The schoolhouse is where our community convenes to vote, share information, and celebrate birthdays, graduations and weddings. Our annual, free, multi-generational community gatherings offer even more opportunities for local residents to connect with old friends and meet new neighbors. As our small town evolves, the little red schoolhouse continues on, reminding us of our past while supporting our future.

About Us

History

The Old Wilson Schoolhouse was built in 1930. Originally a two-room schoolhouse, several additions were completed over the years to accommodate the growing needs of an expanding community. Following the school’s decommission in 1999, community members organized to save the historic building from demolition. Proponents for preserving the schoolhouse elected to demolish the additions and return the structure closer to the original two room design. Working under a $600,000 grant from the Wyoming Business Council, community members completed the renovations and established a non–profit organization to operate the facility as a community center. In February 2003, Teton County (owner) entered into a long-term lease agreement with the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center to preserve the building and oversee all operations. The Teton County Historic Preservation Board has recognized the Old Wilson Schoolhouse as a prominent historic structure and is active in maintaining the historical integrity of the facility.

Currently, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center is the home of Wilson Community Fellowship, Wilson AA meetings, the Pumpkin Patch Preschool, and twice-weekly senior fitness classes in partnership with the Senior Center of Jackson Hole. With over 1800 square feet of meeting space, a dedicated kitchen and beautiful, historic wood floors, the community center also serves as an affordable venue for private gatherings and public events. As Teton County evolves, the little red schoolhouse continues to be the hub where our community comes together. Throughout the year, thousands of local residents and visitors alike convene at the schoolhouse to celebrate birthdays and weddings, vote in elections, attend public meetings, and gather with friends at community events, including free celebrations hosted by our non-profit. 

Become a part of our history by renting our space, making a donation or becoming a business sponsor!

Our Impact

A COMMUNITY SPACE

The community used the schoolhouse 744 times in 2023. 87% of those rentals were at subsidized rates for non-profit or educational purposes. Whether it’s a non-profit fundraiser, professional training or local wedding, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse continues to be the community hub where magic happens!

The schoolhouse also provides free space for various pressing community needs throughout the year, at the discretion of the Board.

PROGRAMMING AND EVENTS

Our seasonal, free, intergenerational events bring our community together, cementing old friendships and creating opportunities for new connections.

Our partnerships with other local non-profits ensure that vital programming, such as AA meetings, music lessons and senior events, are offered right in the heart of Wilson, effectively expanding reach and reducing commuter traffic.

PRESERVATION

Originally the two-room log schoolhouse serving the entire Wilson area until 1999, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center represents a shared history for local residents. Preserving the structure not only ensures a historic building lives on for future generations, but also protects a shared past and priceless memories for local residents.

We look forward to making even more memories at the schoolhouse!

  • "I went to the Wilson School from the 2nd grade through the 8th. We didn't have desks. We would all line up on a bench and store our books and papers below. I remember the teachers had to go across the street to the spring to gather our drinking water."

    Elmo Curtis (attended 1932-1939)

  • "We lived two miles from school. I remember that I either walked, rode a horse, skied or my mom towed me on my skis behind her saddle horse. In the winter, at recess, we would spend the entire recess climbing to the top of the hill behind the school, just to ski down and go back into the school."

    Harold Ostler, (attended 1934-1936)

  • "If we got good grades, we were allowed to ring the bell that was on top of the north end of the building. I just loved to ring that bell!"

    Ethyle Seaton Hayse (attended 1934-1941)

Board of Directors

  • Amanda Moyer

    Executive Director
    (307) 699-6016
    amanda@oldwilsonschool.com

  • Nick Houfek

    President

  • Scott Hardeman

    Vice President

  • Claire Fuller

    Secretary

  • Dwayne Meadows

    Treasurer

  • Margaret Brigham

    Director

  • Alyson Klaczkiewicz

    Director

  • Sheila Petrunich

    Director