Great museum. We'd visited here last, about 20 years ago. Memory fades and it was time to revisit on this trip. All exhibits are housed inside on 2.5 floors. There is also a gift shop and restrooms. I found no elevator. We paid (senior rate saves $1 each) and went into a seating room where there used to be a video projection (no longer working). The staff member there today, Les, led everyone into this room to be seated. Les spoke about the rich history of Galena and he was quite detailed. We found this worthwhile. After the speech, we looked around this room at mostly US Grant artifacts, then we headed to a very large back room that has many displays, dioramas etc. on Galena. Lead mining had a rich history here for a few decades, so there was a lot of mining history on display. When we were done downstairs, we walked upstairs where there is a smallish room on the 2nd floor and a much larger room on what I'd call floor 2.5. Floor 2.5 had mostly wartime history while floor 2 had a variety of history on display. Note that the stairs are fairly steep. The first set also has a 90 degree turn near the top. There is a low, wooden banister-style handrail on one side. To access floor 2.5, there are another 6 or 8 steps to get up to it and there's a metal handrail for them. All in all - it's a pretty well done history museum for a small community and it was worth the time. I'd recommend this useful to anyone who wonders, "why does this town exist, how was it formed and what does its evolution look like". We enjoy museums like this. read more

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What a great little museum! We didn't know what to expect, but I can honestly say we were blown away! The ladies that welcomed us were so friendly and knowledgeable about the museum! There was so much packed in! It wasn't only about Grant but about the whole settling of Galena and all the way back to the ice age! I have to say this is a gem of a place and definitely a must see! It's clean and reasonably priced! We will definitely come back when we come to visit again. read more

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Nice little museum to visit in Galena. As an historian, I found the price a bit high for such a small museum, but at least it's going to a good cause. Loved being able to see some of the artifacts upstairs, and the lead mine was really unique and cool to see in person. Definitely an educational experience, they have very clean bathrooms and a nice gift shop as well. read more

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I very much recommend this museum, in order to learn more details about President Grant and the town of Galena. Walking in, you hear a mini lecture from a docent (ours was very enthusiastic and a great public speaker). Then you are on your own - first is the same ground floor, with a massive focus on the history of Galena. It dates back to the Ice Age! This area has displays that are very professional and polished. Upstairs, some of the materials feel a bit more slapdash. I am not doubting their historical veracity, and they don't skimp on fascinating artifacts, but it felt a bit less "put together" than the floor below it - taped together printer paper, etc. (I hate to say it, but $15 felt a bit steep for this - just a bit!) Things get more cohesive on the second floor, in the military-focused room, which is largely devoted to specifics of the Civil War/how it tied into Galena and Grant. I am proud of my Civil War knowledge, but I definitely don't remember what each battle consisted of, off the top of my head! The military room (I think it's called that?) has many chronological displays about some of the most important Civil War battles, in an understandable way that avoids dry wording or an over-emphasis on jargon. One part of the room shows a great deal of info about the tannery that Grant joined when he first went to Galena, joining the family business that had moved there. The military room has an excellent array of artifacts, and it soon becomes hard to believe that an old home from the outside could have a massive room inside of it, filled with original pieces of Civil War History. I saw a massive cannonball from the war itself (not a replica), and, more excitingly, the original US flag that was raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi, after the Union victory there in 1863. The highlight of this entire museum is a massive painting by cartoonist Thomas Nast. He is the cartoonist who satirized the "pay to play" politics of the late 1800s/Gilded Age so well, better than anyone else. (He also came up with the modern design for Santa Claus AND the donkey and elephant symbols for our two major parties.) I didn't realize he was a painter! He painted one of the most iconic versions of the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. The original painting is in this very room, angled down almost to the point where it feels like it could fall on you! :P There is a great digital display where you can see who's who in the painting. In my opinion, it looks like a few of the Union generals and commanders are shooting glares at their Confederate counterparts! read more

This is a restored house from the 1850s that has been converted to a museum. This place covers both the history of Galena - with a focus on it's heyday in the 1830s-1850s as a major, bustling city - and the tie-in to Ulysses S. Grant. Galena went from nothing in 1810 to about 20,000 people at it's peak - and it is now around 3,000 people. There's a lot to see for a museum in a town the size of Galena - we spent just shy of two hours there. There are a lot of exhibits from the 1800s ranging from artifacts, to documents, to painting. There's even a genuine lead mine shaft at the back of the house that predates the house that was attached. Some reviews say there's a movie at the start; we didn't get that - we had a very knowledgeable museum worker give a personalized talk - that could answer questions - and did. read more

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An amazing collection of civil war stories and information. I learned a lot about how Galena supported the Underground Railroad. Wished it was more accessible. Steep and long stairways. Nice gift shop. Very friendly. read more

Galena & U S Grant Museum - Museums Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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Good museum. Really enjoyed. I thought it was US Grant museum only. Was a treat to hear Galen history included. A little tip...to enter, just open the front door. read more

The front desk person somehow missed the fact that my sister-in-law was part of our party. She pulled our guide aside to discuss this and then made a big deal of having me come back over to pay for my sister-in-law (we'll call her A). She kept repeating that she thought A had come in after us and didn't realize she was with us. Odd as A was interacting with her husband and daughter from the moment we walked in. My sister-in-law is black, her daughter is mixed and the rest of the family is white. The moment was chaotic, as anything with a toddler present is, but I'll just say the vibes with this person in general were off. While the other staff member present was lovely, I would not return again unless staff were trained in recognizing and challenging anti-black racism. read more

This is another place to visit the Museum houses not only history from President Ulysses Grant but, eight other Generals of the era. A whole lot of history of the mining times in Galena and the only Mine left open for viewers in the whole State of Illinois. read more

The museum is in transition. It has been housed in this building. Within the next year it will be moving into a more accessible building. The museum assists the visitor to understand why Galena? The gift shop is different because it carries many things beyond Galena. The secind story is more inaccessible to the handicapped visitor. Hopefully this will change with its next incarnation. read more

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I've been to the museum before and have enjoyed its exhibits, but my last visit this past week left a bad taste in my mouth. There was an aggressive and racist interaction with a cashier who didn't understand how many were in our party. Besides that being an awful start to our journey, I enjoyed the enthusiasm from the tour guide. There was a Black Americans in Galena exhibit which was nice but also clear that no Black people were part of the process (some of the text referred to Black folks as "The Blacks" or "Blacks). It would be great for the local historians to work with historians from the marginalized groups they hope to represent, especially if they are still building their Latinx and Asian exhibit. While I have no plans to visit this museum again based on the racism I experience, I encourage the staff to take cultural competence trainings to ensure that they don't do anyone else harm. read more

This place rocks! They have a lot of good stuff that surprised me, the town being so small. Like General Grant's boot. (there is a story why only one boot. No, he wasn't hopping around on 1 foot. Go to the musuem and read why) My favorite is the lead mine shaft however. I have always wanted to see one of these while in Galena. The mine shafts were right in the hillside among the homes in the old days! That blows my mind. All the other shafts in town(they say) have been capped with concrete, so this one is it, baby. Vinegar Hill mine shaft has been closed down for awhile, although it still has an on-line presence. There's a good video you can easily find of walking thru that mine) If you buy a ticket for one of the twice yearly Home Tours in Galena, the museum admittance is included. I have been thru this place maybe 5 times, and just love it. (Old stuff) Update Sept 2015: new exibits include letting you pilot a steamboat... read more

Very formative museum about Historic Galena's past. Starting with Civil War President Ulysses Grant to the Lead Iron Mines to the Steam boats that delivered the Lead as well as the decline of usage to steamboats. Has actually self portrait paintings of Ulysses Grant which is 9 ft high as well as other civil war paintings. Learned that President Grant was part of the Mexican American War and was a popular president in both Japan and Britain during the mid 19th century. Was interesting. Worth $10 for admission. Wish I could have gone to his historic house too. read more

This place may not appeal to everyone, however, if you are interested in the Civil War and/or American history you will love it. Galena's influence can be seen throughout the war from the generals born there to the soldiers that contributed to major battles. See Grant's boot and cigar and Peace in the Union - simply stunning! Friendly staff & great history, I highly recommend this museum! read more

Galena & U S Grant Museum - Museums Near Me - Galena, Illinois

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There's a lot of history here that's for sure, as soon as you walk in your guided to a hologram that walks you through the history behind the house and everything that's in it. Then you walk over to the gift shop and pay your admission which is 10 per person. The house was beautiful and just had so much culture. They kept it up perfectly and kept the integrity, there was a good amount to see, I really enjoyed this museum. Good size gift shop as well read more

If you care about history don't go here! The Galena Historical Society\Museum has no concept of historical accuracy. If they don't know a fact they'll make it up. Their displays are riddled with inaccurate information but the staff doesn't care. They're historical posers! Don't go! Don't donate money or items they will not use either wisely! They have no qualified personal in historical preservation! This place is a sad joke! read more

This place isn't right on the main strip that most people frequent, but if you like history it is worth a stop. The place is a small Mom & Pop kind of place but it is nice and they have some really cool stuff. Stop by the gift shop to pay admission! I would put my money on people just walking in, but please pay to help this place with the upkeep! read more

This place is kind of amazing and totally a must if you are in town. The hologram introducing the prez and his wife is pretty inventive and cute for a small town museum. The staff was very friendly and engaged. Overall there is a lot more content then I expected from politics, daily life, industry, and art. read more

We came to Galena to explore the area (including the history) in late December 2021. We were pleased to find such a nice local museum. It has informative displays on the prehistory of the area including indigenous peoples and the omission of ice during past glaciations. We didn't know of the history of lead mining in the area which made Galena a leading town on the American frontier. We were also educated about the African-American experience in the area including shameful Black Laws. The single biggest focus of the museum is on General/President Grant, the Civil War, and the NINE generals that came from Galena. One of them was the American Indian Ely Parker who was with Grant at Appomattox and drafted Lee's surrender. A huge original painting of the surrender is on display as well. We arrived later in the day and were told we could return the next day which we did at no additional cost. We spent about three hours total. The $10 admission was worth the price! read more

A museum that looks smaller than it is is full of Galena history. Some of the high points are an actual mineral mine, fun factoids about how and why the town of Galena came into being, and several Civil War items including many from Ulysses S. Grant. Want to see one of U.S. Grant's boots? You can. Want to look at one of his cigars? Come on in. Grant made Galena his election headquarters when running for President and had a family home in the town so it's fitting and interesting to see several items from him. Will this museum change your life? No. But it's still worth the time of any history junkie or those who just want learn more about the town they are visiting. read more

I went here with my wife, If you like your history, this is a great place to learn about Galena. and FYI...... This Museum has the ORIGINAL Peace In Union, painting...... The thing is huge!!! read more

So glad we stopped in to this museum. Just one block off Main St. They had a little boat the kids had a great time trying to steer. I'm the history buff in my family, but even my 13 and 10 year old daughters thought this was a good museum and worth going to. Loved see Grant's boot and cigar! Well run place to stop in a get a little history! read more

The museum is a curious amalgam of new ideas on top of an old-style historical society. There was no good visual storyline to tie together the history of Galena. The hook, for me, was what was advertised as a "hologram" of Grant and wife, Julia. It was not a true hologram, but a video projected on a black background. Interesting idea, poorly executed, and false advertising. The highlights were an actual mine shaft and the Nast painting of the surrender at Appomattox with a well-done touchscreen to learn more about each person. One gem, a Grant cigar, was displayed in an poorly-lit glass display case with a cardboard sign. read more

This is little jewel of a museum that gives great perspective and background to any visit to Galena. We learned so much about the area and Grant's contribution to America's story. This stop, along with a visit to Grant's home, was truly memorable. Don't miss it! read more