A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Perhaps the most notable of all the Revolutionary War Patriots who are...
Jared L. Olar
October 22, 2026
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
Historian and author Carl Adams of Maryland, known for his research on...
Jared L. Olar
May 8, 2025
Tazewell County’s and Pekin’s newest military memorial was dedicated during the county’s...
Jared L. Olar
June 20, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Ongoing research into the history of the African-American Shipman family of Tazewell...
Jared L. Olar
December 15, 2022
In June and July this summer “From the History Room” devoted some...
Jared L. Olar
December 1, 2022
In September 2013 and January 2014, we recalled a dramatic story that...
Jared L. Olar
July 14, 2022
Last week we reviewed the history of the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry,...
Jared L. Olar
June 16, 2022
With the approach of the Juneteenth holiday, it is a fitting time...
Jared L. Olar
June 9, 2022
This is a reprint (with corrections and updates) of a “From the...
Jared L. Olar
June 3, 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.
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.
