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
Some homes quietly hold the stories of remarkable lives, and this one is no exception.
Let's travel back to 1836, when 29-year-old George Fuller, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, and his wife of one year, Emeline, chose to make Galena their home. Over the years, the Fullers lived on Bench Street and later on Main Street before George built what would become his final Galena home on what is now US Route 20 West.
After Emeline's passing in 1854, George found love again, marrying Sarah Putnam of Massachusetts the following year. Throughout most of his life, he was well known in Galena as a respected wholesale grocer, earning a reputation for being honest, fair, and hardworking.
Sadly, on a cold winter evening, February 1, 1884, a simple accident turned tragic. While returning home with a load of wood, George's pant leg caught on the sled, throwing him backward and fatally breaking his neck.
Those who knew George remembered him as a plain and simple man whose integrity never wavered.
Today, we are grateful to Bill, the current owner and caretaker of George Fuller's final Galena home. Thank you for helping preserve another important piece of Galena's rich history and for ensuring George's story will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
If you've ever wondered about the history of your own home, we'd love to help uncover its story. Visit us at GalenaLivingHistory.org to learn more about our historic plaque and research program.
We sure have been battling the heat in trying to get this batch of plaques rust proofed and painted. I was about to give up, but broke down and bought an air conditioner for the space… and fellow board member Dale Glick brought over a dehumidifier. It has made all the difference in the world! As of now I have about 16 hours in. They will cure for 3 days and be sent over to Stef, who will begin hand lettering them with 2 coats of the silver metallic enamel. This truly is a group effort and we are grateful for all of your kind words, donations, and support. Thank you!!
Every home has a story, and thanks to homeowners like Chris, those stories continue to be told.
We are so grateful to Chris for purchasing John Dillon's historic c. 1856 Gear Street home lovingly restoring it, and choosing to honor its past with a GLHA historic plaque. Once in need of a great deal of care, the home has been brought back to life…even painted the very same shade of green it wore early on, probably in the late 1880's.
John Dillon was born in Camross, County Laois, Ireland, in 1823. After immigrating to America, he arrived in Galena in 1853, where he found work as a teamster. In those days, a teamster was much more than a wagon driver. He transported freight, building materials, food, and supplies using horse-drawn wagons, playing a vital role in keeping Galena connected and thriving. It was demanding physical work that required strength and long hours, and was an essential occupation in the years before railroads. John married Ann McCarty of Limerick, Ireland, and built this very home at 707 Gear Street the year they were married, and together they raised a remarkable family of fourteen children. Like so many early Irish immigrants, John followed opportunity across America…from Boston to Galena, then on to Lee County, IL, Rhode Island, and finally South Dakota, where he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer. John passed away in Spink, South Dakota in 1889. Ann remained and passed 7 years later and they rest together in St. Mary's Cemetery in Union County, South Dakota.
Today, because of Chris's dedication and appreciation for Galena's history, John and Ann's story will continue to be shared with everyone who passes by.
Thank you, Chris, not only for helping preserve the memory of the Dillon family, but for breathing new life into one of Galena's historic homes. We are honored to have you as part of our mission to preserve the stories that built our community.
Every plaque we install has a story to tell… but before it ever finds its place on a home, it begins with days of careful, hands-on work.
This video is sped up, but each batch of plaques actually takes about three full days to complete. From preparation and painting to the final silver lettering, every plaque is finished by hand with patience, pride, and a love for Galena's history.
If you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look, we'd be so grateful if you would share it. Every share helps more people discover our volunteer organization and the work we're doing to preserve Galena's history.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
We’re on YouTube
See our latest YouTube videos here for insights into Galena’s history and more from our historians.
