Databases and research assistance for genealogy, as well as resources for the history of Pekin and Tazewell County.
Obituary Archive
Index shows the date, page number and column of obituaries printed in the Times from 1914 to today. Use these with the microfilm reels available in the Local History Room (1914 through December 2018) to view and print copies of obituaries. Notices dated January 2019 and later, can be viewed and printed using this online link, because microfilm has been discontinued. If you are unable to visit in person, our local history expert can locate obituaries and have them sent
to you. See below for instructions on requesting obituaries, as well as information
regarding fees for obituary research.
Index shows the date, page number and column of obituaries printed in the Times from 1914 to today. Use these with the microfilm reels available in the Local History Room (1914 through December 2018) to view and print copies of obituaries. Notices dated January 2019 and later, can be viewed and printed using this online link, because microfilm has been discontinued. If you are unable to visit, our local history expert can send a notice to you. (see fees)
Obituaries and Microfilm
We provide in-house resources, research assistance, and obituary lookups. Some services are free; others include modest fees.
Collection
Pekin Daily Times on microfilm; IL state and Tazewell county history resources; White’s Tazewell County Directories; Pekin City Directories from 1871; PCHS yearbooks – hardbound; some school newspapers; area directories. Resources are for in-house use.
History Research
We are able to offer some history research services by request. Quick searches of 15 minutes or less are free of charge. Fees apply for research/microfilm searches for items with unknown publication dates. Payment will be requested upon service rendered.
1 hour of research: $15
2 hours of research: $30
Researches requiring longer than 2 hours to complete will be rejected, though we will refer you to independent professional researchers.
For research services, please email: obituary@pekinpubliclibrary.org
Obituary Requests
Microfilm archives are available for public use, and patrons may use them to locate obituaries. Obituaries can be saved to a USB drive or printed for standard printing costs. For staff-assisted requests, see details below.
Obituary Requests and Fees:
1–5 obituaries with exact name and date: $5
6–10 obituaries with exact name and date: $10
If you’d like to request obituaries, email the names, dates, page number, and column to: obituary@pekinpubliclibrary.org
Pre-payment is not required.
Find Your Roots
Use these sites to find family history of all types. Don’t know how to get started? Come in or call to speak with our family history research expert.
Information organized by state and county
Photos of grave markers from around the U.S.
Digital images of genealogy records from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Civil War Records
Soldiers and Sailors database for the Confederate and Union Armies
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Explore Stories from Your Library
Browse past stories, highlights, and updates on local art, events, and library happenings, all gathered in one place.
