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
August 6, 2026
Last week’s placement of a new, permanent sign at Freedom & Remembrance...
Jared L. Olar
March 26, 2026
Recently here at “From the History Room,” we recalled the life of...
Jared L. Olar
January 8, 2026
Our Bicentennial series on the history of Pekin continues this week with...
Jared L. Olar
March 28, 2024
The final resting place of Nance Legins-Costley’s eldest child now has a...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
Ongoing research into the family of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) has recently uncovered...
Jared L. Olar
September 21, 2023
As we mentioned here a little over two weeks ago, some special...
Jared L. Olar
June 1, 2023
Plans are underway for a permanent stone monument in downtown Pekin to...
Jared L. Olar
January 5, 2023
The two Illinois State Historical Markers for the Freedom & Remembrance Memorial...
Jared L. Olar
December 29, 2022
Last autumn a newly-published diary detailing an Easterner’s 1835 travels in the...
Jared L. Olar
March 4, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
August 7, 2020
“To rescue a name worthy to be remembered and honoured To recall...
Jared L. Olar
June 28, 2019
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.
