The University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand-new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, November 15. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, according to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Program Director Dale Leidheiser.

“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser says.

Wisconsin 4-H is proud to be represented by Ransom Asa Moore in the 4-H Hall of Fame. Known as the “Father of Wisconsin 4-H,” Ransom grew up near Kewaunee. After an accident left him in need of a less physical career, Moore started teaching. In 1889, he was elected as Kewaunee County’s Superintendent of Schools. While in that role, people expressed concern with the lack of quality agricultural projects at the county fair; the county board asked Moore to address this situation.

He worked with teachers to grow and make things to exhibit at the fair known as “Young People’s Contest Clubs” which had exhibits from every county school. Moore was in contact with the president of the University of Wisconsin, recommending students to the University. Shortly, Moore was recruited to oversee the school’s short course program.

Moore focused on involving farm youth in growing improved seed varieties. Boys and Girls Crop Growing Contests became very popular. In 1910, Moore hired an assistant for his youth work, Thomas L. Bewick, who later became Wisconsin’s first State 4-H Leader.

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame website to learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders.