A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
As America’s Semiquincentennial year continues, and with the start of the new...
Jared L. Olar
August 20, 2026
In the work of laying the foundations of public education in Tazewell...
Jared L. Olar
December 4, 2025
Adding to the honors conferred on them by the Illinois State Historical...
Jared L. Olar
May 1, 2025
The buildings in Pekin’s historic downtown range in age from about a...
Jared L. Olar
March 6, 2024
Among the women and men of Pekin who have risen to fortune...
Jared L. Olar
February 16, 2023
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
October 14, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
January 1, 2021
About nine years ago, “From the History Room” recalled the original Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
June 19, 2020
The state of Illinois’ Bicentennial Year draws to a close this Monday,...
Jared L. Olar
November 30, 2018
The Pekin Public Library’s Pekin Community High School yearbooks are among the...
Jared L. Olar
September 15, 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.
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.
