The Galena Territory Foundation
The Galena Territory Foundation (GTF) is a nonprofit corporation that provides education-based and fundraising activities for the benefit of the local community. Organized by property owners within The Galena Territory in August of 2000, the Foundation focuses on three primary initiatives.
- To recognize and promote Belden School through the preservation of the structure and its environs for the benefit and education of future generations.
- The Lend-A-Hand scholarship program for local high school graduates pursuing college or career and technical education.
- The Richard Peterson EMT Endowment Fund provides funding for Emergency Medical Service education and training in the Scales Mound Fire Protection District and the Galena Area Emergency Medical Service District.
All property owners in The Galena Territory are also members of the GTF.
Whether your interest lies in local history, helping students afford higher education or ensuring EMT training is attainable, it's your contribution that can make all the difference.
Belden School: 1859 – 1943
The story behind Belden School is an interesting one. In 1858, an acre of land was purchased for $30 by Guilford Township to replace a log building on the Avery Farm just east of our present location. The new one-room schoolhouse was solidly built of native limestone. It was used by local families until 1943. The school sat abandoned in the woods until 2004, when residents formed the Belden School Restoration Committee. Through many donations, fundraising events, grants and volunteer hours, the restorations to our schoolhouse were completed by Sept. 5, 2009.
Belden School, “the small school that taught large lessons,” is open on the first and third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through October. Docents are present to help explain its history.
Belden School is located at 52 Heatherdowns Lane in The Galena Territory.
Lend-A-Hand
The Galena Territory is home to people with a variety of interests and talents. The success of our community depends on this variety.
Most students need some level of additional training in their chosen skill. Commission members hope that the efforts of the Foundation will help add strength to the fabric of the community and enable the young people of our school districts to enjoy success in their educational growth after high school.
The Education and Scholarship Commission established the Lend-A-Hand Scholarship for students in Galena, River Ridge and Scales Mound school districts to help with the cost of college or vocational/technical skills training. Applications are available each year in January from high school counselors and on this site.
The deadline for submitting applications to the Foundation office is in March; the deadline date will be posted in the application. The Commission also encourages each student, whether or not s/he applies for this assistance, to remain committed to and involved in the community. This might include involvement in scouting, coaching, the National FFA Organization, conservation, church, etc. The choice of how to help is secondary to the understanding of the need to help. The future of our community is based on the participation we can all offer.
Application Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Assisting those interested in emergency medical services
The Richard Peterson EMT Endowment Fund helps cover the costs of education and training (books, tuition, supplies, mileage, etc.) for Emergency Medical Responders or Technicians (EMR/EMT) who serve on the Scales Mound Fire Protection District roster and/or the Galena Area Emergency Medical Service District roster.
For information about:
- Funding for education and training (not based on financial “need”), donating, or serving on the Commission, contact Chair Fran Peterson.
- The Scales Mound Fire Protection District, contact Chief Al Busch at 815-297-3666.
- Becoming a first responder or serving on the Galena Area EMS District roster, contact EMS Coordinator Gabriel King at 815-777-3575.
