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Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum

211 S Bench St, Galena, IL
815 777 9129
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Ranked #3 of 14 attractions in Galena
Type: History Museums
Owner description: It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia,... more » Owner description: It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia, items honoring Ulysses S. Grant (including an original painting depicting Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant), plus other historical articles from Galena and Jo Daviess County. « less
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43 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    23
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    2
    2
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Date Rating
Madison, Wisconsin
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This museum is a priceless gem for its collection of U.S.Grant memorabilia, Civil War history as well as local history and artifacts! We had no idea how fascinating it would be and were flabbergasted that the ORIGINAL painting of Lee's surrender at Appomattox was on display here! This is a do-not-miss stop in Galena when you tire of the commercial... More

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See 2 more reviews by susan a for Galena
Peoria, Illinois, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

The museum is an enjoyable visit. There is an interesting variety of exhibits. At $8, admission fee is decent. The holographic video at the beginning is neat and provides a good overview of the museum.

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See 2 more reviews by Jeremy R for Galena
Chicago
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2013

The exhibits are interesting. Staff very helpful. This museum is a gem. Two floors of unique exhibts and the architecture is beautiful and well preserved.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Hopkinton, Iowa, United States
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2013

Shops, history ,food,B&B's,winter activities, summer fun!!!Always somthing to do.One of my favorites is the house tours.I also like taking Stage coach road out to Apple river area.They embrace the tourists....but don't forget about their townfolk.They always have a awesome Halloween parade celebration for the kids!!And Christmas is special too!

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Pingree Grove, Illinois
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2012

President Grant's boot and cigar butt, a hologram greeting by President and Mrs. Grant...I can think of worse ways to spend $8. A great museum in a historic home.

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See 3 more reviews by Kevin A for Galena
Chicago
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 December 2012

The History Museum in Galena was a surprise. We were a little early for the shops, and decided to take an hour to see the museum. It turned out that we spent several hours there. There is a surprising variety. The holographic welcome from President Grant and his wife was a really nice touch. And it only got better. My... More

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See 2 more reviews by felitraveler for Galena
Glenview, Illinois
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

Wonderful detailed displays to teach about a part of American history that many do not know about. Staff very knowledgeable

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See 15 more reviews by Christi S for Galena
Rockford, Illinois
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 October 2012

We enjoyed this museum. There are displays about the history of Galena itself, as well as displays about President Grant and other Civil War generals. There is also a small gift shop where you can buy books and other souvenirs.

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See 7 more reviews by RoadTripfromIL for Galena
Aviston, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 October 2012

The museum gave a very detailed history of the town and people. enjoyed learning about the riverboat time of galena

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See 7 more reviews by marilyn z for Galena
Joliet, Illinois
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 September 2012

Very nice museum. It is selfguided so you can go thru as slowly or as quickly as you like. We liked the historical books available in the shop.

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See 4 more reviews by misnjay05 for Galena

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