Born in Galena in 1859, Anna Elizabeth Felt would live for 93 productive years and make her mark as one of Galena's most important historical residents.

Born to wealthy Benjamin Felt who had come to Galena from New York, Anna would make a name for herself as champion and founder of the Galena Public Library, an outspoken citizen, and a proud Galena historian.

Anna lived high on Quality Hill, just a few houses down from her uncle Lucius' and the famous Felt Mansion guest house (Anna's home is still a private residence).  She watched as the steamboat trade floated away and Galena sunk into economic ruin, then saw it rise again on multiple occasions.

Anna's finest legacy by far is the Galena Public Library, which she established along with her father, David Sheean, and a generous contribution by the Carnegie Foundation.  The library was opened in 1907 to great fanfare, and has been a cornerstone of Galena culture ever since.  But that was not the end of Anna Felt's story.  Many articles by and about her appeared in Galena's newspapers throughout her 93 year life - and we encourage you to explore them!