GALENA, IL – The state historic sites in Galena administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency have scheduled several activities for the upcoming holiday season.

 

            The Old Market House at 123 Commerce Street in downtown Galena will be the site of Santa’s House.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6 p.m. Friday, November 25 and meet children until 7:30 p.m.  They will also greet children from 1 to 3 p.m. November 26 and 27 and December 3, 4, 10 and 11.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will have special gift bags for each child.

 

            Lamplight tours of the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site at 500 Bouthillier Street will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. November 25, 26 and 27 and December 3, 4, 10 and 11.  The home’s oil lamps will be lit and 1870s Victorian Christmas decorations will grace the home of the President and Civil War General.

 

            The Old Market House was built in 1846 as the hub of Galena’s commercial center.  It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

            The Ulysses S. Grant Home, built in 1860, was given to Galena’s most prominent citizen in 1865.  The home is completely restored and decorated with original furnishings from the Grant family.  It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.