Galena 2026 Bicentennial

There are different accounts in regards to the birth of Galena’s remarkable citizen, Barney Norris.

There have been many wonderfully eccentric creatives in Galena through the years, one of them being the children’s author, poet, and lecturer Rowena Bastin Bennett.

Carl’s commitment to Galena and Historical Preservation manifested in many projects over the years

Charles Smith Hempstead was Galena’s first mayor

Ulysses S. Grant came to Galena in April of 1860 aboard the steamboat Itasca.  There was no fanfare when he arrived, although he quickly became a local celebrity…

After moving to Galena in 1989, Beth worked with others on community projects, completing the City’s Historic Preservation Guidebook, and preparing a report on Historic Lighting for downtown Galena.  Beth served as Development Director for the City of Galena from 1991 to 1993. 

Born Hasanoanda on a Reservation in Indian Falls, New York, Ely Parker was a Tonawanda Seneca.  Like so many Native American children, he was taken from his home at an early age and sent to a baptist missionary school. 

Anna Elizabeth Felt lived 93 productive years and made her mark as one of Galena’s most important historical residents.

By far, her greatest legacy is the Galena Public Library, of which she was a donor, founder, librarian, director, secretary, and president at various times. {more…}

Alfred W “Alfie” Mueller collected tens of thousands of old photographs of Galena during his 95 year lifespan, a collection revered by Galena as the definitive visual history of our town.

Clarissa Emely Gear Hobbs was born to Ezekiah Gear, an early Galena settler, miner, and politician who helped found and build the Grace Episcopal Church.  But Clarissa did not just live in the shadow of her larger than life father…(more)