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 second stop on Saturday's "A Stroll Through Time" was 500 Park Avenue, where our own Milly Jones brought Kate Hoskins Montgomery, wife of lumberyard proprietor Eugene Montgomery, to life.
Milly did us proud…memorizing one of our longer scripts AND making her own early-1900s costume! Behind the scenes, she also formats our historic binders before they go to print and keeps our website running.
So much of what we share with you has a little bit of Milly in it, and yesterday, everyone got to see her shine.
Thank you, Milly, for the time, talent, and love you give to preserving Galena’s history. We are so lucky to have you! Here’s a little glimpse of her performance.
At 408 Park Avenue, real-life husband and wife Ted Williams and Robyn Davis stepped into the lives of another married couple…I. P. Stevens and Sarah Cunningham Stevens.
As owners of The Haunted Galena Tour Company, Ted and Robyn knew a full evening of their own tours awaited them. Still, they volunteered their precious time, spending hours bringing history to life for us before heading off to do it all again that night.
Knowing how much they had ahead of them makes their generosity all the more meaningful.
Thank you, Ted and Robyn, for giving so much of yourselves to our first A Stroll Through Time. We’re grateful for your talent, your kindness, and the time you made for us.
Here’s a little glimpse of this wonderful pair in action!
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!
We’re on YouTube
See our latest YouTube videos here for insights into Galena’s history and more from our historians.
