A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
Historian and author Carl Adams of Maryland, known for his research on...
Jared L. Olar
May 8, 2025
Tazewell County’s and Pekin’s newest military memorial was dedicated during the county’s...
Jared L. Olar
June 20, 2024
As we continue our Pekin Bicentennial series, this week and the next...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
The final resting place of Nance Legins-Costley’s eldest child now has a...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
The grave of a family member of Nance Legins-Costley now has a...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2023
In recent years, the lives of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) and her family...
Jared L. Olar
August 25, 2022
Last week we reviewed the history of the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry,...
Jared L. Olar
June 16, 2022
With the approach of the Juneteenth holiday, it is a fitting time...
Jared L. Olar
June 9, 2022
Previously here at “From the History Room,” we have recalled the African-American...
Jared L. Olar
December 2, 2021
For those who were unable to attend Pekin’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration at...
Jared L. Olar
June 28, 2021
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.
Explore Your Roots
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
