• Explore

  • Explore Galena’s history and meet the spirit of Ulysses Grant in a hologram that welcomes guests to the museum where true national treasures, such as the “Peace in Union” and “General Grant on the Battlefield” paintings, Flag from the Vicksburg Siege, a topographical map of Jo Daviess County, and the stories of mining and steamboating are presented. The museum is located in a 1858 Italianate mansion built as a private residence by Galena merchant Daniel Barrows. The museum features over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space and presentations on lead mining in the northwest region, the Driftless Area, Grant’s leather store, the Port of Galena: 1858. Discover souvenirs, gifts, and books of a historical nature in the museum gift and bookshop.

  • Hours by Location

    • History Museum

      211 S. Bench Street

      Galena, IL 60136

      815-777-9131

      9 am - 4:30 pm daily

    • Old Blacksmith Shop

      245 Commerce Street

      Galena, IL 60136

      815-777-1893

      May through October

      10 am - 4 pm Fri - Mon

    • Gateway to History

      403 S. Main Street

      Galena, IL 60136

      815-777-6447

      May through October

      9:30 am - 5 pm daily

  • Our Future

    Learn more about plans for the new museum on Bouthillier Street and get progress updates.

  • Oral Histories

    Learn about Galena's and Jo Daviess County's amazing histories through these informative interviews with those who lived and some who still do!

EVENTS

The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum team works to bring history out to the community through innovative, year-round programming. Our events are informative and entertaining, and they engage people of all ages in the dialogue of local, regional and national history.

  • 01

    Oct, 15

  • Cemetery Walk

    309 Hill St

    June 8 - June 9

    Each summer, the Historical Society produces a special event that highlights the stories of past generations of Galenians. We do that through Cemetery Walk,...

    View Event
  • 19

    Apr, 19

  • Cemetery Walk – Indoor Event

    309 Hill St

    June 14 @ 7:30 pm - June 15 @ 8:30 pm

    Each summer, the Historical Society produces a special event that highlights the stories of past generations of Galenians. We do that through Cemetery Walk,...

    View Event