Local History Program Coordinator at the Pekin Public Library. I oversee the library’s local history room collection, write a weekly local history column/weblog for the library, and present local history programs at the library and in the community.

Author's Articles

Among the many notable people of Pekin’s past were William John Conzelman...

Jared L. Olar

February 5, 2025

The Feb. 2005 issue of the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society’s...

Jared L. Olar

January 30, 2025

Among the many hotels that once served downtown Pekin’s visitors and residents...

Jared L. Olar

January 23, 2025

Among the special events of Pekin’s Bicentennial last year was the first-ever German...

Jared L. Olar

January 16, 2025

For an older generation, the cold and ice of winter can bring...

Jared L. Olar

January 9, 2025

Though we’re now caught in winter’s icy grip, this week we’ll take...

Jared L. Olar

January 3, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas celebrations were like in Pekin way...

Jared L. Olar

December 26, 2024

With the end of Pekin’s Bicentennial year fast approaching, this is an...

Jared L. Olar

December 19, 2024

War

Our nation this weekend will mark the 82th anniversary of the Empire...

Jared L. Olar

December 5, 2024