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

As we continue our series on the early history of Illinois, here’s...

Jared L. Olar

December 15, 2017

Last week we reviewed what Illinois was like during the latter 1600s,...

Jared L. Olar

December 8, 2017

Cities, towns, and counties across the state of Illinois held ceremonies today...

Jared L. Olar

December 4, 2017

As Illinois’ yearlong bicentennial celebrations commence this weekend, starting with this installment...

Jared L. Olar

December 1, 2017

As National American Indian Heritage Month nears its end, this week we’ll...

Jared L. Olar

November 24, 2017

The bicentennial year of Illinois’ admission as the 21st state in the...

Jared L. Olar

November 17, 2017

One of the landmarks of arts and entertainment during Pekin’s bygone days...

Jared L. Olar

November 10, 2017

On the east side of the Pekin National Bank, on the wall...

Jared L. Olar

October 27, 2017

Last month we learned the name of the riverboat whose deckhands went...

Jared L. Olar

October 20, 2017

War

On the last page of the very first Pekin City Directory, published...

Jared L. Olar

October 14, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

October 12, 2017

Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...

Jared L. Olar

October 6, 2017

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