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
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
As we continue introducing the homes and stories which will be featured in A Stroll Through Time, our third stop brings us to the I. P. Stevens House at 408 Park Avenue, built circa 1848.
Isaac Perrin Stevens…known as I. P., came to Galena when our young Galena was growing at a remarkable pace. He became a busy attorney, while his wife, Sarah, made this house a home for their family of six children.
Between a law practice, a growing family, and a bustling river town changing all around them, we can only imagine that life in the Stevens household was seldom dull! What stories might these walls have heard?
On Saturday, October 17th, I. P. and Sarah Stevens will step out of the past to share a few of them with us, portrayed by Ted Williams and Robyn Davis.
We hope you’ll join Galena’s Living History Alliance for A Stroll Through Time from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at Park Avenue and Jackson Street for a $10 donation. Guests under 18 are free.
As we continue introducing the homes and stories featured in A Stroll Through Time, our second stop brings us to the lovely Eugene W. Montgomery House at 500 Park Avenue, built in 1909.
By the time Eugene and his wife, Kate, moved into this home, they had already shared many years together…years filled with family, community, success, heartbreaking loss, and even a fire!
Yet theirs is also a story of strength, hope, and beginning again.
On Saturday, October 17th, we will hear their story through the eyes of Kate Hoskins Montgomery, warmly portrayed by our very own Milly Jones.
We hope you’ll join Galena’s Living History Alliance for A Stroll Through Time from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at Park Avenue and Jackson Street for a $10 donation. Guests under 18 are free.
Put this on your calendars! So many of our plaqued historic B&Bs/inns are participating!
It's always fun to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and indulge in Christmas treats along the way!Looking for a fun holiday event in Galena? Introducing Deck the Inns: A Holiday Tour of Galena’s Bed & Breakfasts
Tour beautifully decorated inns, sample holiday treats, meet the innkeepers, and discover the magic of Christmas in Galena. December 19th, 2026, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Tickets are $10, available in advance, at the door, or at participating inns. Participating Inns: Avery House, Cloran Mansion, Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages, High Street Inn, Jail Hill Inn, The Painted Cat of Galena, Steamboat House.
Tickets are available at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/deck-the-inns-a-galena-holiday-tour
The countdown is on! Galena’s Living History Alliance invites you to A Stroll Through Time on Saturday, October 17th.
Today, we are showcasing the first home on our walk: the beautiful John T. Dawson House at 510 Park Avenue, built in 1901.
John Dawson was a successful wholesale grocer and traveling salesman who knew his way around both business and a good story. During his portrayal, you will hear about his life in Galena, his beloved family…and the remarkable reason why running late, may have saved his life!
We extend a very special thank-you to Lucas Alger, who will bring John T. Dawson and his fascinating story to life.
Tours will leave from the ticket station at Park Avenue and Jackson Street approximately every 10 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Tickets are available for a $10 donation, and those under 18 may attend free.
Join us as the residents of ten historic Galena homes step out of the past to tell their stories in front of their homes. You will not want to miss this!
We’re on YouTube
See our latest YouTube videos here for insights into Galena’s history and more from our historians.
