The Galena and Grant Museum in Illinois is holding a number of events honoring Ulysses S. Grant for his 200th Birthday. The text is from the announcement:
April 29th at 5:00 PM
The Celebration begins with Lamplight Tours of President Grant’s Home on Bouthillier Street at 5:00 pm, guided by the Women of Courage and Commitment. You will be greeted by President Grant and Mrs. Grant in the parlor of their home. This home is a State Historic Site, and we wish to thank the site’s manager, Terry Miller, for opening this home for the celebration. Lamplight Tours are free of charge, but donations are appreciated.
April 30
The Galena – U.S. Grant Museum and the Old Blacksmith Shop will offer FREE admission from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Bring the family to tour the museum including a FIRST LOOK at our new Galena Generals’ Exhibit, the Peace in Union masterpiece, and enjoy some Birthday Cake/Cupcakes in celebration of Grant’s 200th Birthday and stop by the Blacksmith shop to watch our volunteer blacksmiths carry on an age old profession! Take 10% off of your purchase of any of the many Ulysses S. Grant Books sold in the museum gift shop for this weekend only!
Elihu Washburne Home, 908 3rd Street, will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Galena Belles Questers will be guiding the tours of this magnificent and historically significant home. The tours are free of charge, but donations are appreciated. This home is a State Historic Site, and we wish to thank the site’s manager, Terry Miller, for opening this home specifically for the celebration.
Our Annual Pie Auction will be held at the Spotsie’s Parking Lot, 403 S. Main Street, beginning at 11:00 am. Join the fun and try your luck at winning a homemade pie, cake, cookies, or one of the gift baskets provided by many of the citizens and businesses of Galena. (Museum is the alternate venue for inclement weather) All proceeds will benefit the Galena – Jo Daviess Co. Historical Society
General Grant and Julia will be on hand at 1:30 pm to greet visitors and present insight into their lives in Galena at their pre-Civil War home located at 121 S. High Street (Museum is the alternate venue for inclement weather). Recently restored, the now privately owned home, will be available to tour, with the owners, Sandy and Daniel Hurt, from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Historic Turner Hall will be the site for a Community Dinner and the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation of the One – Act Play entitled “Mr. U.S. Grant: A Man and A Patriot!”. The doors open to Turner Hall at 5:00 pm with dinner at 5:30 pm. This is a ticketed event. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 
A Silent Auction will be held with a portion of the proceeds to benefit a scholarship fund for local high school seniors.
Dinner will be provided by Stella’s Cafe and Catering, Stockton, IL and will include Roast Beef, Roast Turkey, Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad and Rolls. Tickets are available at the Museum or below:
Tickets for the Dinner, Play and After- Dinner Reception are $40.00 per person.
An After – Dinner reception, at 7:30 pm, will follow at the Galena – U.S. Grant Museum with the opening of the new digital, interactive Peace in Union exhibit and the Galena Generals new and enhanced exhibit opening in our Military Hall. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Be among the first to enjoy these new and innovative exhibits!
May 1
Galena United Methodist Church, will offer a special service for the Grant’s and the community featuring a “Circuit Rider Chaplain, Jerome Kowalski, National Chaplain of the SUVCW” with a potluck meal to follow at the Church, courtesy of the Church congregation. Please contact the Galena United Methodist Church for further information and times for the service and potluck meal.
The Galena – U.S. Grant Museum and the Old Blacksmith Shop will offer FREE admission from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Bring the family to tour the museum including a FIRST LOOK at our new Galena Generals’ Exhibit, the Peace in Union masterpiece, and enjoy some Birthday Cake/Cupcakes in celebration of Grant’s 200th Birthday and stop by the Blacksmith shop to watch our volunteer blacksmiths carry on an age old profession! Take 10% off of your purchase of any of the many Ulysses S. Grant Books sold in the museum gift shop for this weekend only!
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