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
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
Last week’s placement of a new, permanent sign at Freedom & Remembrance...
Jared L. Olar
March 26, 2026
During this year of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, it is an opportune time...
Jared L. Olar
February 19, 2026
Next month, Tazewell County will celebrate Juneteenth with a program on Thursday,...
Jared L. Olar
May 22, 2025
Historian and author Carl Adams of Maryland, known for his research on...
Jared L. Olar
May 8, 2025
Almost two years after the formal dedication of a memorial park honoring...
Jared L. Olar
April 17, 2025
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
For this third in our series of Pekin Bicentennial Black History Month...
Jared L. Olar
February 22, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
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.
