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
Today's project… 17 plaques!
The goal is four coats of rust preventative and glossy black paint on the fronts before dinner. If everything goes according to plan, they'll be ready to flip over so we can do it all again on the backs.
Who knew preserving Galena's history involved so much painting… and so much waiting for paint to dry? Wish me luck…and maybe a little patience! P. S: A huge thank you to Nohr Castings here in Galena for the beautiful work they do for us every single time!
Yesterday, we were so happy to install a Galena's Living History Alliance plaque for Colleen and Kirk at their beautiful home at 301 Madison Street. Thank you both for choosing to honor the story that came before you. Every plaque helps preserve another chapter of Galena's remarkable past.
This home was built in 1915 by Eugene W. Montgomery as a rental property. If his name sounds familiar, it should. Eugene was one of Galena's most respected businessmen, a longtime lumberman, civic leader, and one of the men who helped develop Grant Park.
The very first tenant was J. A. McCullough, a mine supervisor who moved into the home as soon as it was completed. His work was no small responsibility. Each day he directed crews of miners, oversaw their safety deep underground, and reported directly to the owners of the mining company.
J. A. McCullough eventually left Galena and made his home in Platteville, Wisconsin, but for a time, this Madison Street house was where his story became part of ours.
To Colleen and Kirk…thank you for caring enough to preserve the history of your home. Because of homeowners like you, Galena's stories continue to live on, one plaque at a time.
One of our favorite stops yesterday was 210 Bouthillier Street, where we had the privilege of installing a Galena Living History Alliance plaque honoring Elizabeth Wilson, who built this sweet home c. 1853.
Every now and then we come across a story that just stays with us. Elizabeth's is one of those.
Born in Omagh, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1803, she came to America as a young woman and married John Wilson in Baltimore. They made their way to Galena in 1837, ready to build a life together. But after just a little more than twelve years of marriage, John passed away, leaving Elizabeth with five young daughters and an uncertain future.
Most of us can only imagine how overwhelming that must have been.
Her obituary tells us that she worked all day and, once or twice every week, worked through the night, too…all so those five little ones would have everything they needed. One line from her obituary really stood out: "Want never invaded her household." What a beautiful testament to a mother's determination, sacrifice, and love.
She didn't just survive those difficult years…she raised five children who became respected members of the community, and she remained a faithful member of Galena's South Presbyterian Church for more than twenty years. When she passed away in 1878, the Galena Daily Gazette called her "one of its oldest and most useful members." I can't think of many finer things that could be said about a person's life.
A huge thank you to Norma, the wonderful steward of this historic home, for choosing to honor Elizabeth's story with a plaque. We are so grateful for homeowners like her who understand that these old houses are more than bricks and mortar. They're filled with the stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.
We have a feeling Elizabeth Wilson would be smiling to know that, nearly 175 years after she built her home, her story is still being told.
Our first stop on this hot summer morning took us to the corner of High and Washington Streets, where another piece of Galena's story found its way home.
A heartfelt thank you to homeowner Carter for applying for a Galena's Living History Alliance plaque for the beautiful Fiddick House and for helping preserve its history for future generations.
Today carried a little extra meaning.
Carter's wife, Sarah, had looked forward to the day the plaque would finally hang in front of their home. Sadly, she passed away before she had the chance to see it. As we stepped back and admired it in place, it was impossible not to think of her. We hope, in some small way, this moment honors both the history she loved and the home she treasured.
The story of William Fiddick began in Cornwall, England, where he was born in 1813. Like so many Cornish families, he crossed the Atlantic in search of a better life. He first tried lead mining, but soon discovered his true calling wasn't beneath the earth…it was building something that would stand the test of time.
When William arrived in Galena in 1837, he opened a mercantile with his nephew, John. Through hard work, honesty, and determination, that little store grew into one of Galena's most successful businesses.
In 1841, William married fellow Cornish immigrant Philippa Bastian. Together they built a beautiful life overlooking the city in the magnificent brick home that now bears the Fiddick name. Although they never had children of their own, they opened their hearts to an adopted son, Richard Henry Fiddick, creating a family built on love rather than blood.
William served as an alderman, helped establish Greenwood Cemetery, and remained devoted to Galena throughout his life. Even after the devastating fire of 1875 destroyed his Main Street store, he simply rolled up his sleeves and rebuilt, just as Galena itself did.
After William's passing in 1886, Philippa carried their legacy forward with remarkable strength. She managed the family's estate, modernized the Fiddick House with amenities far ahead of their time, and became one of Galena's most respected businesswomen and largest taxpayers.
The Fiddick House is more than one of Galena's most beautiful homes. It's a reminder that this town was built by people with courage, perseverance, and hope…people who believed in creating something that would outlive them.
This morning, another one of those stories found its place above the wall for everyone who passes by to discover. And somehow, we think Sarah would have smiled.
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