A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
In keeping with this year’s celebration of the American Semiquicentennial, this month...
Jared L. Olar
May 28, 2026
Here at “From the History Room,” last week we saw that although...
Jared L. Olar
May 21, 2026
Earlier this year, in preparing the Pekin Public Library’s U.S. Semiquincentennial “Portrait...
Jared L. Olar
May 14, 2026
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United...
Jared L. Olar
April 30, 2026
The formation and naming of Illinois’ 102 counties, which we have been...
Jared L. Olar
April 16, 2026
It was less than a decade from the creation of the Illinois...
Jared L. Olar
March 5, 2026
Continuing our “America 250”-themed recollections of the early history of Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
February 12, 2026
Even after control of the Illinois Country passed from France to Britain...
Jared L. Olar
February 5, 2026
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
Recently here at “From the History Room,” we recalled the life of...
Jared L. Olar
January 8, 2026
We have previously recalled the life of Pottawatomi leader Shabbona (c.1775-1859), who...
Jared L. Olar
September 30, 2021
In the last few weeks we have recalled how Tazewell County was...
Jared L. Olar
March 16, 2018
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.
