• 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

  • The Other Side of the Anvil

    Learn what it’s like to be a blacksmith at this FREE event, available to all ages.

  • Featured Treasure

    Check back each month to learn about a different museum artifact.

  • 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

  • U.S. Grant Birthday Weekend

    211 S. Bench Street

    April 12, 2019 - April 14, 2019

    Each year the museum celebrates the birthday of Galena’s favorite citizen, Civil War hero and our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. Did you know...

    View Event
  • 01

    Oct, 15

  • Cemetery Walk

    June 8, 2019 - June 9, 2019

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

    View Event