A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
During the first few decades following Illinois’ admission to the Union in...
Jared L. Olar
September 3, 2026
The city of Pekin currently has four Illinois State Historical Society markers...
Jared L. Olar
May 1, 2024
The first years of Pekin’s existence coincided with a period when men...
Jared L. Olar
April 18, 2024
In our previous installment in our Pekin Bicentennial series we reviewed the story...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues, this week we’ll take a look back...
Jared L. Olar
February 1, 2024
During Pekin’s Juneteenth celebration last month, a crowd gathered downtown to witness...
Jared L. Olar
July 13, 2023
By Jared Olar Library Assistant Last week we reviewed the earliest history...
Jared L. Olar
March 4, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
February 7, 2020
On Friday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m., in the Pekin Public Library...
Jared L. Olar
August 31, 2018
On the last page of the very first Pekin City Directory, published...
Jared L. Olar
October 14, 2017
Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...
Jared L. Olar
October 12, 2017
Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...
Jared L. Olar
October 6, 2017
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.
From the Archives
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
