History

Mission Statement:

The Galena Art & Recreation Center (ARC) is focused on providing a constantly evolving, healthful, respectful environment where members of our community-of all ages, diversities and interests-can come together, learn and grow.

At the Heart of Our Community

It started in 1965 with a vision to fill a void in the community. Three community leaders (Robert Buehler, Robert Roth and Robert Murphy) came together to provide a solution….and opportunity. The vision: to provide recreation for children who had nothing to do outside of school.

The "Team Center" (as it was called upon inception) presented every boy an opportunity to participate if he came to play the game. Within the year, the opportunity was extended to girls as well. In the first year, the programs served 171 boys and 150 girls. The organization was patterned after the Neighborhood Boys Club of Chicago that Mr. Buehler had founded in 1929.

In 1969 the Team Center became the Galena Art & Recreation Center (ARC) and relocated from the Main Street location to its current location, the former St. Michael’s School built in 1886, at 413 South Bench Street with the aid of a forgivable interest-free loan from Mr. Buehler.

Through changing social and economic climates, the ARC continues to present opportunities for Galena neighbors of all ages and whatever the need, has adapted and met the challenge with the community, for the community. It continues to be a vital organization offering a variety of programs thanks to the support and generosity of Robert Buehler, volunteer community members and donors, businesses and non-profit organizations.