Lena Area Historical Society

06/02/2026

Baseball game at Lena High School in the early 1950s.

06/02/2026

Join us this Saturday, June 6th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The main museum, the barn, the chapel, and the summer kitchen will be open. We would love to have you visit!

06/01/2026

**I added two photos showing where their coffee shop was located.

Margaret Braun’s Coffee Shop 1954. Does anyone know where this business was located?

05/31/2026

It is with profound sadness that the Lena Historical Society shares the passing of Dr. Gordon E. Dammann, one of our founding members, on May 27, 2026.

Dr. Dammann dedicated his life to service—serving his country as a U.S. Army captain, caring for the people of Lena as a dentist for more than 40 years, and preserving history at both the local and national levels. A nationally recognized authority on Civil War medicine, he was a published author, lecturer, founder of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and a licensed guide at Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Here in Lena, Gordon’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our community. He was active in countless organizations, including the Lena Lions, Lena Park District, Cub Scouts, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and, importantly, as a founding member of the Lena Historical Society. His passion for history, generous sharing of knowledge, and commitment to preserving the stories of our community helped shape our organization from its earliest days.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Gordon will be remembered as a friend, mentor, historian, community leader, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His enthusiasm for history was contagious, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.

On behalf of the Lena Historical Society, we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Karen, Greg, Doug, and the entire Dammann family during this difficult time.

Dr. Gordon E. Dammann, D.D.S., age 81 of Lena, IL, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 27, 2026. Devoted husband of 59 years, Karen Chisholm. Loved by his children Greg Tamie and Doug Holly, and grandchildren Sophia Daniel Vale, Samantha David Wichman, Cameron Maddy, Nate Lily, Andre...

05/29/2026

May 27th, all of the 7th grade students from Le-Win Jr. High came to tour the museum. They had a great time!

05/28/2026

It was a pleasure having Holly Chrisman’s fifth grade class visit the museum on May 21st as part of their one room schoolhouse curriculum.

04/23/2026

Just a reminder that despite the tornado, the LAHS Annual Dinner is going ahead tonight! We are all set up and looking forward to seeing everyone there, and enjoying a delicious meal!

The book, "Ghost Towns of Stephenson County" will be available to purchase. If you ordered a book, you will be able to pick it up tonight.

See you tonight!

04/09/2026

LAST DAY TO MAKE RESERVATIONS IS APRIL 9!!!!@

04/07/2026

The deadline is quickly approaching to sign up for the Lena Area Historical Society’s Annual Dinner. This dinner is one of the historical society’s most important fundraiser. This year the dinner we include a full dinner catered by Vicki Mulder catering. Our program entitled “Ghost Towns of Stephenson County,” will be especially interesting this year. The program is based on a newly written book, published by the Stephenson County Historical Society, which delves into the history of over 75 forgotten communities. Some of the communities near Lena include places such as Louisa, Holley Grove, Howardsville, Damascus, Christian Hollow, Damascus, and Pin Hook Settlement, all have their own very interesting history.

Tickets are $45 each. Come for an enjoyable evening and help support the historical society’s mission to preserve local history. The deadline is Thursday, so please call Cindy Drye at 815-369-4030 to reserve your tickets now!

02/26/2026

The public is invited to a program to be held at the Lena Historical Museum at 427 Grove St., Lena, Illinois. On Sunday, March 8 at 2:00p.m.
Jake Andrew’s, local Lena historian, will present “ THE HENSON ACADEMY OF LENA, A DREAM THAT NEVER CAME TO BE”.
This will also be the society’s annual meeting.
This free to the public with donations always appreciated.