2025 Frank Einsweiler Award
Jean Carlson, Scott and Nancy Wolfe, and Dan Kelley
We are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Frank Einsweiler Award for Historic Preservation: Scott and Nancy Wolfe.
Scott is an avid Civil War memorabilia collector who spent 34 years as Galena Library historian and 21 years as the DeSoto House historian. He has written a great deal about American history - especially the civil war, and contributed to many historical publications.
Nancy spent 15 years with the Galena Historical Society and spent a lifetime creating and collecting period clothing and soldier uniforms. She has been a valuable contributor to the Cemetery Walk and Evening with the Collectors.
Thank you Scott and Nancy for your lifetime of dedication to Galena and American history! You are truly deserving of this award!
School 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.
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
US Marine Hospital
Construction on the US Marine Hospital began in 1858 when Ely Parker, engineer, was sent to Galena to oversee the construction of the Post Office and Customs House as well as the US Marine Hospital.
The hospital opened its doors in 1861, but would close five years later. Built at a cost of $54,000, it was auctioned off for about $3,500. The years since its closure have seen one owner after another struggle to utilize the structure, doomed by the regular spring floods that isolate the property for weeks at a time every few years.
Read all about the US Marine Hospital's 160+ years of history in Dr. Daryl Watson's report.
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
Superior Report
Thank you Daryl Watson for completing a thorough historical structure report on the Galena Axle Grease Factory. This building housed many different businesses in its 140+ year history, but was razed in 2024 after decades of neglect.
This report will open in a new tab.
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
2024 Legacy Luncheon
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.
Joe Miller Trust
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.
US Marine Hospital
The US Marine Hospital, hidden in the woods just outside of town and off any beaten path, is unknown to most Galenians and its full story only known to a handful of residents. Read Dr. Daryl Watson's report and learn the history of this amazing architectural structure.
Marine Hospital Report
Galena Axle Grease
This historical structure was razed in 2024 and thus has joined Galena's other lost treasures in the annals of history. Read Dr. Watson's report about this story of Galena's success - and failure. This report is in PDF format and will open in a new tab.
Axle Grease Factory Report
McGowan-Delihant House
The McGowan-Delihant house was neglected for decades before the Galena Foundation acquired it. We were able to find a buyer that is currently renovating the property. Read Dr. Watson's report to learn its storied history.
McGowan-Delihant Report
Saint Mary School
St Mary School closed its doors for good in 1972 and has been vacant ever since. The property recently sold and there has been a lot of activity, but the restoration is far from complete. Read Dr. Watson's report and learn all about the school's history.
St Mary Report