The Galena History Symposium will be held in Galena, IL, at the DeSoto House Hotel on May 15-17, 2026. Professional and avocational historians, archeologists, and preservationists will present papers, panels, and performances about the history of Galena, Illinois. Please find the following summary of events: Friday, May 15 (Evening): The Symposium begins with registration, followed by a welcome reception, seated dinner, and a special performance, “Keeping Up With the Joneses,” by the Galena Shakespeare Company. Saturday, May 16 (Full Day): The main conference day includes morning and afternoon breakout sessions (papers, panels, and presentations). A buffet lunch is provided, and the day features a keynote speaker. The evening concludes with a cash bar reception, “Cocktails with the Galena Generals.” Dinner is on your own. Topics: Women of Galena Human Interest Native American History Civil War Sunday, May 17 (Optional Events): Attendees can choose from three optional guided activities: a Native American and Lead Mine coach tour (includes box lunch), a historic architectural walking tour of Galena, or a 19th-century church service at Grace Episcopal Church. Register Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/galena-history-symposium Background Galena history includes the stories of pre-historic mound builders; Native nations and struggles for autonomy and land rights; the booming lead mining trade; the busy Mississippi River port; and the home of Congressman Elihu Washburne and his most favored military man, General Ulysses S. Grant. When General Robert E Lee surrendered his Confederate army to Grant at Appomattox Coury House in Virginia, Galena became a hub of national interest. Eight Union Generals were from Galena besides U.S. Grant. Grant campaigned for president with the help of his friend, Elihu Washburne, from Galena. Today, Galena celebrates the accomplishments of their first citizen, Ulysses S. Grant, with an annual birthday party. As Galena settled into small town life in the late 1800s, many families left Galena for better opportunities. The 19th century commercial buildings and homes were barely maintained. Today, with over 100 years of preservation efforts, Galena, a city of 3,250 people, is the third most visited tourist destination in the state of Illinois after Chicago and Springfield, with a remarkable assortment of historic buildings and homes on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact Us For more information, see galenahistory.org and click on the Symposium tab. For more information, email Tracey Lee Roberts at galenahistorysymposium@gmail.com See our Facebook page: Galena History Symposium Sponsored by Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society
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