A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Last week’s placement of a new, permanent sign at Freedom & Remembrance...
Jared L. Olar
March 26, 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
Pekin and Tazewell County were well represented at the 2024 Illinois State...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
The final resting place of Nance Legins-Costley’s eldest child now has a...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
For this third in our series of Pekin Bicentennial Black History Month...
Jared L. Olar
February 22, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Three special days of honor in Peoria and Pekin this month culminated...
Jared L. Olar
June 19, 2023
The grave of a family member of Nance Legins-Costley now has a...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2023
Plans are underway for a permanent stone monument in downtown Pekin to...
Jared L. Olar
January 5, 2023
In June and July this summer “From the History Room” devoted some...
Jared L. Olar
December 1, 2022
In recent years, the lives of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) and her family...
Jared L. Olar
August 25, 2022
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.
