Galena’s Living History Alliance
Galena’s Living History Alliance is a local non-profit organization focusing on the history of Galena honoring it by researching the history of our participating homes, placing plaques identifying the date of construction, name and occupation of the original owner and telling the stories of the first owners.
Showcasing Galena’s historic homes
Architectural style
Over 200 homes in the GLHA plaque program showcase many exquisite architectural styles. From Italianate to Gothic Revival, Victorian, Federal and more these homes offer a glimpse into the past that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
Notable residents
Discover the many influential figures who once called our plaqued homes their own. Miners, generals, farmers and shopkeepers all called Galena home and shaped it into what it has become today.
Living history
Experience the past come to life as you explore each home’s unique story and the role of its owners in Galena’s history. Today we honor and recognize those pioneers with the beautiful plaques on their homes.
Plaque Program
Historic House Plaque Program
The Galena Living History Alliance (GLHA) is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the architectural heritage of Galena and Jo Daviess County. Our primary initiative, the Historic House Plaque Program, increases public awareness and appreciation of the area’s historic homes and buildings.
Is my home eligible for a historic plaque?
Any home built before 1930 is eligible for inclusion in the program. Over 200 buildings are currently in the GLHA plaque program. They range from log cabins, commercial buildings, stunning Italinates, and cozy miners’ cottages to stately Victorians.
A few examples of the architectural styles in the GLHA program.
William Reinwald House, 1847, Log cabin home
Charles Lowes House, c.1852, Miner’s cottage
RIchard seal house, 1871, Italianate
August J. Millhouse House, 1899, Victorian
Latest news from our blog
The Living History Walk is nearly here!
The Galena Living History Alliance and the Galena Center for[…]
See our latest Facebook posts.
We update our Facebook page regularly with information about our homes, businesses and churches participating in the GLHA historic plaque program. Scroll down on the posts to see the latest posts.
Galena's Living History Alliance
A window into Galena's historic truth
Our first stop on yesterday's "A Stroll Through Time" brought us face to face with John T. Dawson, wholesale grocer and the first owner of 510 Park avenue.. thanks to the wonderful Lucas Alger.
When our original actor had to bow out, Lucas stepped in, learned his lines in a hurry, and gave a masterful performance. What a gift to have someone say "I'll help" and then give it their all.
Thank you, Lucas, for bringing Mr. Dawson to life and giving our very first stroll such a memorable beginning. Enjoy this little glimpse of his performance!
Yesterday, the stories of Park Avenue had voices again. And today, our hearts are full.
Our first A Stroll Through Time happened because so many wonderful people gave their time, their talents, and a little piece of their hearts to preserving Galena’s history.
Throughout the week, we’ll share little glimpses of the performances and thank the people who helped us meet the past. Each one deserves a moment in the spotlight.
To everyone who performed, volunteered, donated, or came to listen…thank you for helping us keep these stories alive. We’ll be remembering yesterday for a very long time.
Today is the day! The costumes are on, and Galena’s earliest residents have a few stories to tell!
Join us for A Stroll Through Time on this sunny, beautiful fall day. Meet the characters behind ten historic homes along Park Avenue, enjoy their stories, and share a few laughs.
This day means so much to us. Your support helps Galena’s Living History Alliance research, cast, and install historic plaques, preserving stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Today, October 17 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Begin at the Grant Park pavilion at Park Avenue and Jackson Street. The cost of admission is a $10 donation; children under 18 are free. Guided groups leave about every 10 minutes. The sidewalk walk takes approximately one hour.
Come spend an hour in the past. You’ll be helping us carry it into the future.
We’re on YouTube
See our latest YouTube videos here for insights into Galena’s history and more from our historians.
