A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Just last week, the Everett McKinley Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin celebrated...
Jared L. Olar
August 28, 2025
Adding to the honors conferred on them by the Illinois State Historical...
Jared L. Olar
May 1, 2025
Of Pekin’s remaining historic downtown storefronts, perhaps Hamm’s Furniture’s high-peaked façade at...
Jared L. Olar
March 30, 2024
Photos by Jared L. Olar, Pekin Public Library Local History Program Coordinator
... Jared L. Olar
January 20, 2024
Next Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, the Friends of the Pekin Public Library...
Jared L. Olar
October 12, 2023
Is this the year you are going to start your genealogy journey?...
Jared L. Olar
January 4, 2023
With this installment we bring our overview of the Pekin Public Library’s...
Jared L. Olar
August 19, 2021
As we have proceeded through this series on the history of the...
Jared L. Olar
August 12, 2021
In our series on the history of the Pekin Public Library, we...
Jared L. Olar
August 5, 2021
As we have proceeded through our series on the history of the...
Jared L. Olar
July 29, 2021
With the completion and dedication of the new Pekin Public Library and...
Jared L. Olar
July 22, 2021
Last week we recalled the visit of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford...
Jared L. Olar
July 15, 2021
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.
