A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
The following article is adapted from a history program presented by Jared...
Jared L. Olar
October 29, 2026
This is a revised and expanded version of a “From the Local...
Jared L. Olar
September 23, 2026
Since today, Thursday, 17 Sept. 2026, marks 239 years since the signing...
Jared L. Olar
September 17, 2026
The year 2026 has been an opportunity for the United States of...
Jared L. Olar
September 10, 2026
Roots of religion in Illinois Before the arrival of European explorers and...
Jared L. Olar
August 27, 2026
As America’s Semiquincentennial year continues, and with the start of the new...
Jared L. Olar
August 20, 2026
This is a revised and updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
August 6, 2026
This is a revised and expanded version of a “From the Local...
Jared L. Olar
July 16, 2026
Last week we reviewed the historic newspaper resources available for researchers at...
Jared L. Olar
July 15, 2026
As the United States of America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
July 2, 2026
With the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence...
Jared L. Olar
June 30, 2026
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
From the Archives
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history. Each article offers a closer look at the community’s past while preserving the local stories and experiences that connect generations.
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Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
