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
Pekin and Tazewell County were well represented at the 2024 Illinois State...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Three special days of honor in Peoria and Pekin this month culminated...
Jared L. Olar
June 19, 2023
As we mentioned here a little over two weeks ago, some special...
Jared L. Olar
June 1, 2023
Plans are underway for a permanent stone monument in downtown Pekin to...
Jared L. Olar
January 5, 2023
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
It was two summers ago that “From the History Room” was the...
Jared L. Olar
August 26, 2021
Recently local historian Carl Adams brought to my attention the Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
March 20, 2020
On Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at the culmination of African-American History Month,...
Jared L. Olar
March 11, 2020
“To rescue a name worthy to be remembered and honoured To recall...
Jared L. Olar
June 28, 2019
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.
