Confusion over the freezing of certain federal funds has left a Galena museum project in limbo. Leaders at the Galena — Jo Daviess County Historical Society are in a “holding pattern” after learning that a $1.8 million federal grant earmarked for the construction of the new Galena & U.S. Grant Museum has been frozen. The historical society in 2022 received the $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to cover a portion of the construction costs for the new 8,500-square-foot facility, which is proposed to be built next to the Nelson Stillman House at 513 Bouthillier St. Despite near-daily check-ins with EDA officials, the museum’s grant funding appears to be among the funds that remain in stasis following President Trump’s funding freeze. Also affected is a $576,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services that was for exhibit relocation and storage that has also been put on pause. The historical society and museum leadership remain committed to the project despite the new hurdle and are working on contingency plans to ensure the project can continue.
