Our History Matters

The Campaign for a New Museum

Invest in Our History

Phase 1:

Site Acquisition

Completed in 2021.

    

* Purchase of 3.6 acres

including the Nelson

Stillman House

* Economic Impact Study

* Exhibit Design

Phase 2:

Construction

Expected to be completed by

summer 2026.

     * New building construction

     * Site development

     * Professional services

     * Anticipated inflation

 

Phase 3:

Exhibits, Fixtures,

Equipment

Expected to be completed

following Phase 2.

     * Exhibit development

     * Furnishings

     * Office equipment

     * Signage

     * Moving costs

     * Professional services

     * Anticipated inflation

Make History

The Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society has a vision for a vibrant, sustainable future.

Reaching Our Potential

Preservation & Protection

A nationally significant collection and cultural asset deserves a 21st century home to PRESERVE, PROTECT and PROMOTE heritage for generations to come.

Experience & Connection

The new museum's location, ADA accessibility, and exhibit spaces will change how our educational programming and events are delivered. More visitors will have the opportunity to learn and explore our exhibits and activities.

Financial Strength & Sustainability

Financial sustainability is a key driver for the museum. The Historical Society is a 501 C 3 non-profit organization and is not tax funded.

FAQ about the New Museum

The new Galena & U.S. Grant Museum will be located on 517 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL, neighboring the U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site.

The new Galena & U.S. Grant Museum construction will begin spring 2024 and we anticipate opening the new museum summer 2026.

The Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society is in Phase 2: Constructing a New Museum. Construction totals about $6M and we need a remaining $3 million to complete the building.

The historic 1858 Daniel Barrows Mansion is owned by the City of Galena. The City has not determined what will happen to the building.

Since 1938, the Historical Society has rented the facility from the City of Galena. The Historical Society has a 100 year lease.

The new Galena & U.S. Grant Museum will offer a 8,500-square-foot facility the following:

  • Efficient exhibit space for permanent and temporary exhibits
  • Safe and secure storage of our valuable artifacts
  • A venue for special events and community activities
  • Ample parking
  • ADA accessibility
  • Hands-on activities for immersive learning
  • Room for expansion and further growth

The new Galena & U.S. Grant Museum will offer the following benefits to the community:

  • Increased Museum attendance by 300%
  • 84% increase in revenue
  • Generate more than 24 jobs in Jo Daviess County
  • $1.3M in new local spending annually

Our History, Our Future

Harris

"

We enthusiastically support this campaign because the unique history of Galena and this Driftless is of national importance and has relevance especially today. It is so much more than just U.S. Grant.

 

Dennis & Christine Harris, Retired - Law Enforcement & Educator

 

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