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
One year ago, Nohr Castings stepped in to continue the incredible legacy of the historic Westiwick Foundry here in Galena. As we celebrate that milestone, all of us at the Galena Living History Alliance want to say thank you.
Our cast iron plaques are built to last for generations, and that only happens because of the pride, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that goes into every single casting. Nohr Castings has been an outstanding partner, helping us preserve Galena's history one plaque at a time.
We've entrusted them with so many plaques this first year, and the quality has been exceptional. Their team has been wonderful to work with, and we couldn't be more grateful for their commitment to excellence and to preserving a craft that has been part of Galena's story for so many years.
Congratulations on your first anniversary, Nohr Castings! Here's to many more years of keeping this remarkable tradition alive. We are proud to work with you and thankful for everything you do for our community.
Today we're celebrating someone who has over the years, become one of the behind-the-scenes heroes of the Galena Living History Alliance.
Happy Birthday to Amy Laskye!
Whenever we need something printed, photographed, or somehow made possible at the last minute, Amy is our go-to girl. While somehow balancing the busy schedule of Amy May Photography she always finds a way to squeeze us in with a smile.
Amy prints every one of our historic house binders with incredible care and makes sure they get into Bill's hands so they can be beautifully assembled for our homeowners. Her talent, generosity, and willingness to help have become such an important part of what we do.
Her kindness extends far beyond our organization. Through her Beautiful Beyond Cancer portrait initiative, Amy celebrates breast cancer survivors by creating beautiful photography that honors their strength, courage, and enduring beauty. It is just one more example of the compassionate heart she shares with our community.
Amy, thank you for sharing your time, your creativity, and your heart with our organization and with so many others. We hope your birthday is filled with all the joy and kindness you so freely give to everyone around you.
Please join us in wishing Amy a very happy birthday. <3
Today we had the honor of installing another plaque at the c. 1850 home of Henry Marfield at 304 S. Dodge Street.
Henry was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1814. After marrying Elizabeth Williams, he came to Galena in 1837 as a young man of just 23, beginning his career as a cabinetmaker. It didn't take long before he found his calling in public service. He was elected constable soon after arriving, later served as City Marshal, and in 1845 was elected alderman, a position he faithfully held for 30 years.
Henry was also deeply involved in Galena's early growth. He served as chairman of the Poor House Committee, was active in mining, accumulated considerable real estate, and was one of the oldest members of Wildey Lodge No. 5 of the Odd Fellows. Friends and neighbors remembered him as prompt and efficient, kind and charitable, and "strictly honest in all of his business dealings".
In 1865, Henry joined five other men from Galena and Dubuque on an ambitious journey west with 15 mules and a wagon full of supplies bound for Virginia City. While some of the men planned only to speculate and return home, Henry intended to make his permanent future in the Rocky Mountain country.
Henry eventually returned to Galena, where he continued serving as Justice of the Peace until just days before his death. After a brief four day illness, he passed away in this very home on September 11, 1883, at the age of 68, from what the Galena Gazette called "paralysis of the brain." He was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, leaving behind Elizabeth, and their eight children: six sons and two daughters.
Elizabeth remained in the family home after Henry's passing. Sadly, she spent the last 20 years of her life in failing health, much of that time confined to the house. When she passed away in 1891, she was laid to rest beside Henry in Greenwood Cemetery, where they remain together today.
A heartfelt thank you to James and Brenda for lovingly restoring and caring for this beautiful home. Because of homeowners like you, Galena's stories are not only preserved, they continue to be shared with everyone who walks our streets. Thank you for helping bring Henry and Elizabeth Marfield's remarkable legacy back to life.
Every once in a while, someone reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
This beautiful note from visitors to Galena touched our hearts because they recognized the countless hours of volunteer work behind each of our historic plaques.
To every homeowner who has applied for a plaque…thank you. Because of you, Galena's history is being preserved and shared with everyone who walks our streets.
And to every member of Galena's Living History Alliance , thank you. Every hour we give, every plaque we paint, every late night researching, and every installation we complete truly matters.
Thank you…everyone… for helping bring Galena's history to life.
"This is our first time in Galena. Sort of a random and unplanned stop returning to Duluth, MN from points south of here. I had always heard about Galena, but had never been here and I have to say it exceeded expectations. Wherever my husband and I have lived we’ve always been the ones battling to save old buildings (if not buying them ourselves), serving on the City tree board and HPC, leading walking tours, board members of the historical society, etc. While out walking tonight, I was noticing these plaques and knew there were people behind them doing all the tasks to make them a reality that happen behind the scenes and most people have no understanding of what all goes into it. Then I find this group and discover them! When you do this kind of work, you recognize it and appreciate it when you see it in other places. Thank you to everyone behind this project – it greatly enhanced the enjoyment of our walk and our understanding of your city."
We’re on YouTube
See our latest YouTube videos here for insights into Galena’s history and more from our historians.
