• 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

    • MUSEUM

      211 S. Bench Street

      Galena, IL 60136

      815-777-9131

      Open Daily 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

    • OLD BLACKSMITH SHOP

      245 Commerce Street

      Galena, IL 60136

      815-777-1893

      Open Fridays through Mondays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

  • 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.

  • 29

    Sep, 22

  • The Other Side of the Anvil

    October 14 @ 9:00 am - October 15 @ 4:00 pm

    Discover the Art of Blacksmithing! Fun for all ages Join us for a two-day blacksmithing event that features forging and historic demonstrations! Participants will...

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  • 24

    Jul, 23

  • Donate a Galena Country Experience Today!

    November 23 @ 8:00 am - November 27 @ 10:00 pm

    Learn More about Galena Country Experiences Auction In November 2023, the Historical Society will hold an online auction offering diverse Galena-Jo Daviess County experiences...

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