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
On 20 Sept. 1847, a ship that had been aptly christened the...
Jared L. Olar
December 26, 2025
This week we continue our outline pedigree of the descendants of Peter...
Jared L. Olar
May 29, 2025
This week we will take another look at one of Pekin’s successful...
Jared L. Olar
February 27, 2025
As another Veterans Day draws near, it is an opportune time to...
Jared L. Olar
November 7, 2024
Tazewell County’s and Pekin’s newest military memorial was dedicated during the county’s...
Jared L. Olar
June 20, 2024
The city of Pekin currently has four Illinois State Historical Society markers...
Jared L. Olar
May 1, 2024
As we continue our Pekin Bicentennial series, this week and the next...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
Pekin and Tazewell County were well represented at the 2024 Illinois State...
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
During Pekin’s Juneteenth celebration last month, a crowd gathered downtown to witness...
Jared L. Olar
July 13, 2023
Almost 45 years after Tazewell County’s collection of Civil War artifacts were...
Jared L. Olar
May 25, 2023
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.
