A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
This is a revised and updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
July 23, 2026
Last week’s placement of a new, permanent sign at Freedom & Remembrance...
Jared L. Olar
March 26, 2026
Almost two years after the formal dedication of a memorial park honoring...
Jared L. Olar
April 17, 2025
The final resting place of Nance Legins-Costley’s eldest child now has a...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Ongoing research into the family of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) has recently uncovered...
Jared L. Olar
September 21, 2023
As we mentioned here a little over two weeks ago, some special...
Jared L. Olar
June 1, 2023
A formal opening ceremony is drawing nearer for a new memorial park...
Jared L. Olar
May 15, 2023
The two Illinois State Historical Markers for the Freedom & Remembrance Memorial...
Jared L. Olar
December 29, 2022
In June and July this summer “From the History Room” devoted some...
Jared L. Olar
December 1, 2022
A great deal of progress has been made in the effort to...
Jared L. Olar
November 17, 2022
In recent years, the lives of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) and her family...
Jared L. Olar
August 25, 2022
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.
