The Galena Trail & Coach Road Society An Invitation to Join the Galena Trail & Coach Road Society MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MISSION The Galena Trail & Coach Road Society's mission is to foster the rediscovery of the Galena Trail through education of its unique history, diverse landscapes, and its impact on the development of the region. OBJECTIVE The organization's objective is to provide an enjoyable experience for visitors to an area that stretches from Peoria, Illinois to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. This historical area was used as a trade and cultural route for native people and opened up Northwest Illinois, Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa to settlers from Europe and the Eastern United States. The historical, interpretive trail that results offers visitors a glimpse of history and connects them to the area during their stay. ABOUT US Galena Trail & Coach Road Work Group - In October, 2001, a group of interested people from JoDaviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, Bureau, Marshall and Peoria counties met and formed the Galena Trail & Coach Road Work Group. The work group identified ways for the Galena Trail & Coach Road to expand tourism, promote recreational opportunities, conserve the landscape and celebrate historical and cultural resources. The Work Group conducted a corridor inventory that recognizes significant points of interest from pre-historical through contemporary times. The group expanded to include Grant County, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Clayton and Allamakee in Iowa. Galena Trail & Coach Road Society - As an outcome of the Work Group, the Galena Trail & Coach Road Society was officially chartered on June 2, 2003. The Galena Trail & Coach Road Society is a membership organization seeking to foster the rediscovery of the Galena Trail through education of its unique history, diverse landscapes and its impact on the development of the region. The Galena Trail & Coach Road Society held its first Annual Meeting and elected its Board of Directors on February 7 2004. The Board of Directors elected its officers on April 12, 2004. On September 11, 2004, the Society held a special exhibit and program in Princeton at the Prairie Arts Center during the Homestead Festival. FUTURE GOALS Trail recognition by local, county and state officials State designation with signage marking the trail Creation of map with marked routes and points of interest Development of interpretive sites and celebrations along the trail route Creation of marketing/tourism materials to publicize the trail FOR MEMBERSHIP AND TRAIL INFORMATION Prairie Rivers Resource Conservation and Development - (309) 364-3979 Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation and Development - (815) 625-3854 www.galenatrailsociety.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Nedda Simon, President (Bureau County) John Rutherford, Vice President (Stephenson County) Betty Obendorf, Secretary (Ogle County) Roger Taylor, Treasurer (Lee County 2005 Annual Membership Contribution Levels:   Student $5.00   Individual $10.00   Family (live in same house) $15.00   Business/Organization $25.00   Lifetime Household Membership $150.00   MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Click here to print out a printable application to fill out and mail in. Applications should be sent to: Galena Trail & Coach Road Society c/o Roger Taylor 205 W. 20th Street Rock Falls, IL 61071 815-626-1123