2024 Legacy Luncheon
Galena Foundation Board members Dan Kelley, Jean Carlson, Andy Willis, Paula Schonhoff, Janelle Keeffer, and Zeke Winders present the ceremonial check to Patty Lydon of the Eagle's.
The Galena Foundation held our annual Legacy Luncheon at the Eagle's Club on Main Street. The Eagle's Club was awarded a $25,000 grant for porch restoration on the Bench Street side of their building, and luncheon attendees were treated to sandwiches provided by the DeSoto House and photographs of the porch replacement project before, during, and after.
School Group
History Trip Grant
Lena-Winslow students at the Apple River Fort
Teachers and Administrators: the Galena Foundation started this grant to promote student trips to local historic sites by helping to offset the travel costs to the district. Educators can use the grant towards any trip associated costs. Examples are: busing expenses, entrance fees, water, and snacks.
A single trip can incorporate American History, Native American History, Geology, Agriculture, Watershed, Architecture, Mining, and Politics. And a Galena Foundation grant can pay for the entire trip!
To apply for a grant for your school group, please go to our Grants page.
Joe Miller Trust
Galena Foundation Board members Zeke Winders, Ron Leinen, Jean Carlson, Karen Greiner, and Andy Willis receive the proceeds from the Joe Miller Trust from Illinois Bank representatives Gavin Doyle and Lynn Gaber.
The Galena Foundation received over $41,000 from the Joe Miller Trust. Joe Miller was a lifelong Galena resident who left behind a trust that provides historic preservation grants annually. This year's proceeds are going to Turner Hall to pay for tuckpointing and other preservation work.
Galena's Bicentennial
Galena was named (and thus born) on December 27, 1826. The Galena Foundation, along with the City of Galena and as many other organizations as we can wrangle, are planning a bicentennial event worth of waiting 200 years to celebrate!
Use the button below to go to the Galena 2026 website and learn about the scheduled events, volunteer, or donate to the cause!
Galena 2026
Historic Landmark Designation?
Is Galena a worthy candidate for National Historic Landmark status? We think so! Galena played a pivotal role in westward expansion, the lead trade, the Civil War, and abolition through the nineteenth century and is a well-preserved specimen of architecture and history.
Read the National Park Service guidelines and you'll see how Galena's Historic District qualifies as a National Historic Landmark District!
National Historic Landmark District
Galena Historical Marker
Historic Preservation Award
At the May 27th annual meeting, the Galena Foundation presented Beth Baranski with the Frank L. Einsweiler Award. Beth has been involved in Galena's preservation for nearly 40 years. Beth is co-author of Galena's Historic Preservation Guidebook, and has served on The Galena Foundation Board of Directors. For more about Beth's accomplishments in Galena and preservation, click here
Beth Baranski and Ken Robb
Board Member Honored
Also at the Annual Meeting, Ken Robb was recognized as our outgoing board member. Ken served 10 years on the board, overseeing dozens of projects including the renovation of Grant Park, Turner Hall, rescue of Gear and Fourth Street properties, and the publication of "Galena, A Timeless Treasure." Ken was president for 5 years, and his leadership and passion for preservation will be sorely missed. Thank you, Ken!
Superior Report
Thank you Daryl Watson for completing a thorough historical structure report on the Galena Axel Grease Factory. This building housed many different businesses in its 140+ year history, but is currently considered beyond repair.
This report will open in a new tab.
In Galena, get your copy today at these fine merchants:
- US Grant Home
- DeSoto House Gift Shop
- Galena Book and Paper
- Galena & US Grant Museum
Not in Galena? Want more information?
Click Here
Current Projects
The Galena Foundation are actively working to preserve our most vulnerable properties. Click below to see what we are doing now.
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Galena Success Stories
The Galena Foundation recognizes the contributions of our friends and neighbors to preserve and re-purpose our historical buildings.
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Endangered Properties
There are still properties that are in need of saving. Daryl Watson has completed historical structure reports on some, and they are available for download.
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Grants
The Galena Foundation offers grants to schools who wish to visit Galena, and matching grants to non-profit organizations that wish to preserve their historical buildings in Galena.
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